Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on April 3 criticised Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma over his ‘Greater Tipraland’ promise, saying the idea of including parts of Bangladesh would only mislead people.
Speaking at a campaign rally at Gabardi market in West Tripura, Saha described Debbarma’s remarks about incorporating areas of Bangladesh into the proposed state as “illegal” and warned that such statements could invite legal action. He also questioned the practicality of the demand, asking whether it was even possible.
Debbarma had earlier, during a rally in Gomati district, spoken about forming ‘Greater Tipraland’ by including regions like Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong and Khagrachhari, while calling for unity among the Tiprasa community.
Reacting to this, Saha said similar ideas had been raised earlier by a political activist from Bangladesh who had talked about controlling parts of India’s Northeast. He termed the demand as an attempt to confuse the public.
The chief minister’s comments came at a time of tension in Gabardi market, where some shopkeepers reportedly shut their businesses following alleged pressure from TMP supporters. Saha warned that such tactics could backfire, saying votes cannot be secured through force. He added that traders might reconsider their support and instead vote for the BJP candidate.
Gabardi comes under the Amtali-Golaghati constituency of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, where elections are expected soon.
Saha also reiterated his support for the Tiprasa Accord signed in March 2024, which focuses on the development of indigenous communities. Referring to the BJP’s split with TMP in the council polls, he said unity becomes difficult if one side is unwilling to stay together.
Raising questions over the rival party’s funding, Saha alleged that the source of TMP’s election funds is known and said action would follow once the BJP forms the council government.
Polling for 28 seats of the TTAADC is scheduled for April 12, while counting will take place on April 17.