In a surprising turn of events the Tipraland State Party (TSP) has announced its decision to sever all ties with TIPRA Motha. Tipraland State Party, which never did have much support base and was not into movements to reckon with, had earlier merged the TIPRA Motha enmasse maintained no seprate identity. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Agartala Press Club, with TSP Convenor Sridam Debbarma addressing the media.
TSP’s decision to break away from TIPRA Motha comes as a major jolt to the latter, raising questions about the direction and priorities of the political alliance. Sridam Debbarma, while explaining the rationale behind this decision, expressed concerns about the welfare and rights of indigenous Tiprasa people.
He stated, “The decision to part ways with TIPRA Motha has been made with the greater goal of ensuring the rights of indigenous people in mind.” TSP and TIPRA Motha had merged in 2021 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) prior to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections. TSP managed to secure a majority of seats in these elections.
However, recent developments have raised concerns within TSP. Sridam Debbarma noted, “In recent days, we noticed that TIPRA Motha had become inactive, with no visible movements, discussions, or planning concerning the demands of the Tiprasa people.”
Dinesh Debbarma, a senior leader of TSP, criticized the abrupt changes in leadership within TIPRA Motha, stating, “After the recent plenary session, the leader of TIPRA Motha suddenly disappeared from the scene, and Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl took over as president. We are unaware of how this decision was made. A political party cannot operate arbitrarily without an executive body, policies, and ideologies.”
TSP leaders also expressed concerns that the demands related to Greater Tipra Land and the rights of indigenous people, as outlined in the Constitution, were being sidelined. They voiced uncertainty about the future of TIPRA Motha and questioned its continued existence.
In addition, TSP leaders raised questions about Pradyot Kishore Debbarma’s activities, noting his appearances in various locations, including Delhi and Assam, with prominent political figures.
TSP Convenor Sridam Debbarma announced that notices would be served to all Members of District Council (MDCs) affiliated with TSP, as the TTAADC elections were contested under the party’s banner. He emphasized that MDCs who did not adhere to TSP’s rules would be expelled from the party, and the Governor would be informed accordingly.
