Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, founder of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Wednesday expressed confidence that Tiprasa voters would back his party in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections.
Polling for 28 seats of the council is scheduled for April 12, with counting on April 17.
The TMP had emerged victorious in the 2021 council elections, winning 18 seats in the 30-member body, while the BJP secured nine seats and sat in the opposition. Two members are nominated by the governor to ensure representation of all tribes.
Addressing reporters at Champahower in Khowai district, Debbarma said the electorate had realised that rights outweighed monetary considerations. “Tiprasa people have understood that rights are more important than money. Two years have passed, but the Tiprasa accord, which was signed with the Centre and the state in March 2024, has not been implemented yet,” he said.
Also read: Royal scion Pradyot floats Tipraland with Bangladesh areas
The accord, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, had promised socio-economic and linguistic development of indigenous communities.
Following the agreement, the TMP joined the BJP-led government headed by Chief Minister Manik Saha ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Describing the council polls as crucial for indigenous people, Debbarma said his political struggle was centred on safeguarding the rights and future of the Tiprasa community, not on “money or personal gain”.
On the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the BJP in the event of a fractured mandate, he reiterated confidence in securing a clear mandate, saying he believed Tiprasa voters would support the TMP decisively.
Despite being an ally in the state government, the TMP is contesting the council elections against the BJP, setting the stage for a direct contest in the tribal belt.
Follow us
