Tipra Motha Party Chief Pradyot Debbarma Threatens to Exit Power if Promises Are Not Fulfilled in Tripura

Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the supremo of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), has made a bold statement indicating that the party is ready to stay out of power in Tripura if the promises made to them by the BJP-led coalition government are not fulfilled. This announcement marks a major shift in the political landscape of the state, where the TMP, a regional party, has made its presence felt in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections.

TMP’s Demands for Tribal Rights and Other Key Issues

Pradyot Debbarma, in a video posted on Facebook marking the foundation day of the Tipra Motha Party, raised concerns about the unfulfilled promises made to his party. He highlighted the central issues of tribal rights, land ownership, education, identity, and direct funding to the Tripura Autonomous District Council (TADC). TMP has long been advocating for these rights, which they believe are essential for the progress and welfare of the indigenous population of Tripura.

“We demand rights for security, land, education, identity, direct funding (to TADC), and culture, which are not against the country. It seems some are betraying us,” Debbarma stated, emphasizing that the party’s core agenda is aligned with the aspirations of the tribal communities in Tripura.

TMP’s Decision to Stay Out of Power

In a direct challenge to the ruling BJP, Debbarma made it clear that the party is willing to remain out of power if their demands are ignored. “If we are not being given the rights that were promised, we are ready to stay out of power,” he declared. The statement reflects the TMP’s commitment to prioritizing the rights of the people over political power.

“For us, politics is not important, but the rights of our people matter,” Debbarma added, underscoring the party’s focus on the welfare of the indigenous people of Tripura. The TMP had initially entered into a coalition with the BJP following the 2023 Assembly elections, securing 13 seats in the Tripura Legislative Assembly.

Discontent Over Delayed Elections to Village Committees

One of the key points of contention for the TMP is the delay in conducting elections to village committees in tribal areas governed by the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). The TMP leadership expressed dismay over this delay, which they believe is an attempt to sideline the interests of tribal communities.

Debbarma urged party MLAs and members of the district council (MDCs) to be mentally prepared to make the right decision at the right time, stressing that the TMP would not hesitate to walk away from power if it meant securing justice for their people.

TIPRA Motha’s Role in Tripura’s Political Landscape

Since its inception, the Tipra Motha Party has emerged as a prominent regional political force in Tripura. The party, under the leadership of Pradyot Debbarma, has been vocal about the issues faced by the indigenous Tripuri communities, including land rights, cultural preservation, and adequate representation in the state government. The TMP’s rise in the 2023 elections was seen as a significant challenge to the long-standing dominance of the Left Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The party’s decision to remain in the BJP-led government post-2023 elections was seen as a strategic move to influence the policies regarding tribal welfare and development. However, with many promises left unmet, the TMP now appears to be reassessing its position in the coalition.

The statement by Pradyot Debbarma has sent ripples through Tripura’s political arena. The Tipra Motha Party’s stance on staying out of power if their demands are ignored reflects their unwavering commitment to the rights and welfare of the indigenous communities in Tripura. As the state continues to grapple with political and social challenges, TMP’s bold move will surely shape the discourse around tribal rights and governance in the region.