Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma announced that Tripura will have a tribal chief minister in 2028. The statement came during a mass joining event of Tipra Motha at Rabindra Shata Varshiki Bhawan, where 1,223 voters from 316 tribal and non-tribal families joined the party.
The event was attended by senior leaders including Bijay Kumar Hrangkhawal, Animesh Debbarma (Minister for Forest), and Purna Chandra Jamatya (CEM of TTAADC). The programme marked another step in Tipra Motha’s effort to consolidate its influence among the indigenous communities of Tripura.
During his address, Pradyot also announced that mainstream political parties like the BJP, CPI(M), and Congress would not be allowed to contest the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) and Village Committee elections — counterparts to the Panchayat system in the plains. He, however, expressed openness to discussions with the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) if they wish to contest, albeit under certain terms.
Pradyot’s statement stirred political discussions across Tripura, with observers describing it as a move aimed at strengthening ethnic-centric politics ahead of future elections. Analysts noted that while Tipra Motha has positioned itself as a champion of indigenous rights, its exclusionary stance could further polarize the state’s diverse political landscape.
At the start of the event, several junior and senior Tipra Motha leaders, including veteran Bijay Kumar Hrangkhawal, spoke about long-standing issues faced by the tribal communities, including socioeconomic deprivation and neglect by successive governments.
In his speech, Pradyot criticized the state’s administrative treatment of the ADC, highlighting that 37 bills passed by the council remain pending for gubernatorial assent. “Only one bill — related to the Jamatya community’s customary laws — has been approved. This reflects a partisan approach that undermines the autonomy of the ADC,” he said.
However, Pradyot refrained from addressing questions about fund utilization and financial accountability within the ADC. Critics suggest that greater transparency in local governance could strengthen the legitimacy of Tipra Motha’s leadership.
As of now, no official response has been issued by the BJP, CPI(M), or Congress regarding Pradyot’s remarks. Political watchers expect reactions in the coming days as the state gears up for crucial ADC and local body elections.
