Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on Monday strongly opposed the BJP’s promise to rename the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), calling it unacceptable and against the interests of the indigenous Tiprasa community.
The reaction came a day after Chief Minister Manik Saha unveiled the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming tribal council elections, proposing to rename the TTAADC as the Tripura Autonomous Territorial Council (TATC) if the party comes to power.
Addressing a gathering at Ampi in Gomati district, Debbarma alleged that the BJP, through its manifesto, intended to drop the word “Tribal” from the council’s name.
“I totally disagree with the promise and will not compromise with the poor Tiprasa people,” he said.
The TMP leader also criticised the BJP over its use of Roman script in the manifesto, linking it to the ongoing debate over the script for the Kokborok language.
Also read: Royal scion Pradyot floats Tipraland with Bangladesh areas
“You are saying the BJP government will not introduce the Roman script for the Kokborok language, citing its foreign origin. Now, your manifesto is written in Roman script. We know there is a vast difference between your statements and actions,” he said.
The BJP currently shares power in Tripura with the Tipra Motha Party and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT). However, all three parties are contesting the TTAADC elections separately, indicating a fragmented political contest.
Debbarma framed the election as a broader battle for the rights and identity of the indigenous population. He claimed that the Tiprasa population has declined to around 15 lakh out of the state’s total population of 42 lakh.
“The Tiprasa community will face an existential crisis if the dofa (community) suffers defeat in the tribal council elections. We all should support the dofa,” he said, urging voters to prioritise community interests over party lines.
He also alleged that the contest would pit the BJP’s “money power” against the interests of the Tiprasa people.
Polling for the 28-seat tribal council is scheduled for April 12, with counting set to take place on April 17. The outcome is expected to shape the political trajectory of tribal governance in the state.
Follow us
