Ahead of TTAADC polls, TIPRA Motha chief accuses BJP leadership of blindly executing Centre’s orders, challenges CM Manik Saha, vows to protect Tiprasa identity and rights
In a strong political offensive just two months before the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, TIPRA Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Sunday accused the Tripura BJP leadership of functioning merely as “postmen” for the Centre, claiming they deliver instructions from Delhi instead of representing the voice of the people.
Addressing the Hrangkhawl Annual Conference at Gangarai village under Jampuijala in Sepahijala district, Debbarma openly challenged Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and asserted that money and political power would not be enough to defeat the indigenous Tiprasa people.
Without naming anyone directly, the TIPRA Motha supremo said the current BJP leadership in Tripura lacks independent decision-making and no longer reflects the aspirations of the state’s people.
“Leadership that only carries Delhi’s messages to Tripura is not required anymore. We need leaders who can take the concerns of our children’s future from Tripura to Delhi,” Debbarma said.
Drawing a sharp contrast between himself and other political leaders, he remarked that while he was travelling to Delhi to raise Tiprasa issues, another senior leader on the same flight would return with instructions from the Centre.
“The difference between a Rengpa (king) and others is this — I go to Delhi to raise the voice of the Tiprasa, not to bring orders back. Postmen are no longer required,” he declared.
Issuing a direct challenge to the Chief Minister, Pradyot said, “Try whatever you can, but you cannot defeat us. In 2026, this Rengpa will lift the honour of the Tiprasa. We will not lose — not in politics, not in language, not in religion, and not in land.”
Accusing the BJP of attempting to capture the TTAADC for partisan interests, he said TIPRA Motha’s struggle was not about political power but about safeguarding the future of the indigenous community.
“They want to win for the party. We are fighting for the victory of the community,” he said.
Debbarma also criticised mainstream political narratives, accusing leaders of diverting attention by spreading hatred in the name of religion, China, Pakistan and race, while ignoring fundamental indigenous concerns such as education, Roman script, constitutional safeguards and the future of tribal children.
“Party, caste or religion is not important. The indigenous population and their future must come first. Forget politics and unite as a community for the next generation,” he appealed.
Referring to the Mahabharata, he compared the indigenous struggle to that of the Pandavas, stating that numerical strength does not determine victory.
“Our number may be small, but courage, quality and honesty matter. Truth will win,” he said, expressing confidence that unity under the ‘One North East’ vision would ensure success.
Warning against attempts to dilute indigenous identity, Pradyot asserted that the Tiprasa people would not compromise on their culture, food, dress or faith for political gains.
“They want to change who you are — your face, your food, your faith. Will you allow it? No. We are Tiprasa, and we will remain Tiprasa,” he said, concluding that while political parties may come and go, only unity among indigenous communities can secure their rights and future.
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