Agartala: Tipra Motha on Saturday clarified that its ongoing seat adjustment discussions with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections have not been finalized.
Addressing a press conference, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce and senior Tipra Motha leader Brishaketu Debbarma stated that the party’s final decision on any possible alliance or adjustment would only come after detailed talks between the two parties. “Our party supremo will take the final call in due course of time,” Debbarma told reporters, emphasizing that no official announcement should be assumed until discussions are formally concluded.
NDA Link but Independent Stand
While Tipra Motha is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under the framework of the Tiprasa Accord, Debbarma stressed that the party will not compromise on issues of justice. “We will not remain silent if any community or section of people faces injustice. Our alliance does not mean we will overlook the concerns of our people,” he asserted.
The press briefing was also attended by former militant leader and party MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who echoed similar concerns. Both leaders highlighted their dissatisfaction with the Centre’s decision to further extend the deadline for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). They reminded the media that Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman has a pending petition in the Supreme Court on the issue.
Supreme Court Intervention Welcomed
The leaders welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent order asking the state and central governments, the State Election Commission, and the Election Commission of India to explain within four weeks why Village Committee elections in the TTAADC had not yet been conducted.
“This has been our consistent demand,” said Ranjit Debbarma. “Without elected Village Committees, grassroots governance has come to a standstill. Important development funds allocated by NITI Aayog remain unutilised, leaving people deprived of their basic rights.”
He added that the absence of functional Village Committees has weakened local administration and hindered development projects in tribal areas. “Elections must be conducted at the earliest to restore proper governance and ensure that funds reach the people,” he stressed.
The upcoming TTAADC polls hold special significance in Tripura’s political landscape, particularly for indigenous communities. Tipra Motha, which emerged as a dominant force in tribal politics under the leadership of Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, is expected to play a crucial role in the elections.
While the party remains aligned with the NDA, Saturday’s statements make it clear that Tipra Motha is carefully weighing its options before entering into any formal seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP. Observers believe that the final decision will hinge on assurances regarding tribal rights, governance issues, and the implementation of commitments made under the Tiprasa Accord.
As the TTAADC elections draw closer, the political atmosphere in Tripura is heating up. With the Supreme Court setting a four-week deadline for the government to respond on Village Committee polls, pressure is mounting on the authorities to ensure timely elections and restore grassroots democracy.
For Tipra Motha, the challenge lies in balancing its role within the NDA while protecting the interests of tribal communities—a stance that continues to resonate strongly with its support base.