Agartala, September 11 – Jiten Chowdhury, the leader of the opposition in the Tripura Legislative Assembly and state secretary of CPI(M), has strongly condemned Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Deb Barman for his recent controversial remarks regarding the ownership of Agartala, Teliamura, and Kanchanpur towns. Describing Pradyot’s statements as “anti-democratic and anti-constitutional,” Chowdhury said that the citizens of the state are the true owners of these areas, criticizing Pradyot for comments he called rooted in ignorance, arrogance, and frustration.
“He should carefully study the history of Tripura and India to understand that no individual can claim ownership of cities and towns. The state and its people are the rightful owners,” said Jiten Chowdhury.
Chowdhury recalled the historical context, highlighting how Pradyot’s ancestors had signed the Instrument of Accession on August 13, 1947, the merger document on September 9, 1949, and how Tripura, as a princely state, officially joined the Indian Union on October 15, 1949. He alleged that Pradyot’s comments are aimed at defending BJP interests while simultaneously discrediting CPI(M).
“All that Pradyot has been doing is misleading indigenous communities to further his personal and familial agenda,” said Jiten. He added that the state’s tribal population has now recognized Pradyot’s self-serving political motives and is increasingly distancing itself from his party due to unmet promises and failures in governance.
Chowdhury criticized Pradyot for adopting a divisive and polarizing stance, accusing him of attempting to manipulate tribal voters through misleading statements. “His remarks reflect frustration over his inability to maintain tribal support, and he is again trying to mislead people to retain them in his party fold,” he said.
He also condemned Pradyot’s recent claim in Delhi that CPI(M) was responsible for the death of his father, Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Barman, calling it “absurd and baseless.” Jiten noted that even Pradyot’s mother, Bibhu Kumari Debi, never made such allegations. He recalled how Kirit Bikram regularly attended government-organized events during his tenure as Minister for Culture and appreciated their efforts.
“This country is governed by law and the constitution, and such wild accusations are unacceptable,” Chowdhury stated. He concluded by asserting that Pradyot’s primary aim appears to be protecting BJP interests at the cost of truth, thereby misleading the tribal population.
The remarks from CPI(M) come amid growing political tensions in Tripura, with the upcoming elections intensifying scrutiny on tribal leadership and regional parties. The clash of narratives between CPI(M) and Tipra Motha highlights the continuing debate over tribal representation and the political future of the state’s indigenous communities.