TIPRA Motha aims for a tribal Chief Minister in Tripura by 2028, declares Pradyot Kishore Debbarman. Party vows to contest TTAADC elections, strengthen indigenous governance, and challenge BJP delays, emphasizing tribal political empowerment and legislative authority.
TIPRA Motha, the junior partner in the BJP-led coalition government in Tripura, on Monday declared its firm commitment to install a Chief Minister from the state’s indigenous community after the 2028 Assembly elections. Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman said the moment had arrived for a tribal leader to steer the state, sending a strong political signal to both allies and opponents.
Addressing a joining programme at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Debbarman emphasized that TIPRA Motha would fight with full vigor to achieve this historic goal. “For everything we demand, we have to look to Delhi. If we have our own Chief Minister, we will have greater legislative powers. For instance, the Roman script issue for Kokborok could have been resolved through a state Assembly resolution if there was political will,” he remarked.
The announcement highlights a significant political shift in Tripura, where tribal communities have long sought greater representation. Since 1998, the state has not seen a Chief Minister from its tribal population. Dasarath Deb, the veteran CPI(M) leader, remains the first and only tribal Chief Minister of Tripura, serving between 1993 and 1998. Debbarman’s statement underscores TIPRA Motha’s determination to reclaim tribal leadership at the highest level in the state.
In a pointed remark directed at his coalition partner BJP, Debbarman accused some party leaders of intentionally delaying TIPRA Motha’s demands. “They want to test our patience so that our ministers resign and they can blame us. The only way to deal with them is through elections. If they lose, they will come back with folded hands,” he said, signaling potential tensions within the alliance ahead of the 2028 elections.
Debbarman also announced that TIPRA Motha would contest the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, vowing to prevent national parties from making inroads into tribal areas. “No national party will be allowed in the TTAADC. If IPFT wants to talk, we are open to an alliance to win all the seats,” he clarified, suggesting tactical collaborations to consolidate tribal political power.
Highlighting administrative hurdles, Debbarman expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the Governor granting assent to Bills passed by the TTAADC. Out of 38 Bills submitted, only one — related to codification of Jamatia customary laws — has received clearance. Debbarman has reportedly approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to ensure timely approval of pending Bills. This issue, he argued, hampers governance and affects the socio-political development of Tripura’s tribal population.
The event, which drew over a thousand workers from various political backgrounds, was attended by senior TIPRA Motha leaders BK Hrangkhawl, Animesh Debbarma, Brishaketu Debbarma, and Purna Chandra Jamatia. The mass joining programme reflected the growing influence of TIPRA Motha in Tripura’s political landscape, particularly among indigenous communities.
TIPRA Motha’s announcement is likely to reverberate across Tripura’s political spectrum. With state politics heavily influenced by coalition dynamics and tribal aspirations, the party’s commitment to field a tribal Chief Minister candidate may redefine electoral strategies ahead of 2028. Analysts suggest that TIPRA Motha’s assertive positioning could influence BJP’s approach towards tribal representation, potentially reshaping governance priorities in the state.
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As Tripura approaches the next electoral cycle, TIPRA Motha’s agenda signals a renewed focus on indigenous rights, self-governance, and political empowerment, reinforcing the party’s image as a champion of tribal aspirations. With the tribal electorate forming a crucial segment of Tripura’s demographic, the 2028 Assembly elections are poised to be a decisive moment in the state’s political history.
