Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman challenges Tripura CM Manik Saha ahead of the 2026 TTAADC elections, asserting dominance on land rights, language, tribal identity, and accusing BJP leaders of ignoring indigenous issues.
Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Sunday issued a sharp political challenge to Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, asserting that no force would be able to defeat his party in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, expected to be held in April 2026.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a community hall with a seating capacity of 500 under the Takarjala–Jampuijala TTAADC constituency, Debbarman delivered a fiery address that underlined Tipra Motha’s aggressive political posture ahead of the crucial tribal council elections.
“I want to tell the Chief Minister very clearly — you can’t defeat us,” Debbarman declared. “You will not defeat us on the issue of land rights. You will not defeat us on the issue of our language. No matter how much money you spend, it will not bring you success. Our fighting spirit is different.”
Drawing a sharp contrast between his party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Debbarman said Tipra Motha was not fighting merely for political power but for the survival, dignity, and identity of the indigenous communities of Tripura.
“You are fighting for a party. We are fighting for our community,” he said, drawing loud applause from supporters present at the event.
Call for Dialogue on Core Issues
While maintaining a combative tone, Debbarman also expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue, provided discussions focused on what he described as “genuine and pressing issues” affecting the people of Tripura’s tribal areas.
“If you want to talk about education, health, and the Roman script, we are open for discussion,” he said. “But instead of addressing these real concerns, they are busy dividing people on religious lines — Hindu, Muslim, Christian. We will not accept this kind of politics.”
Reiterating his party’s long-standing position, Debbarman asserted that the land and state belong to the indigenous people and that their rights cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
“This land belongs to us. This state belongs to us,” he said firmly.
‘Postmen of the High Command’
In one of his strongest remarks, the Tipra Motha chief described Tripura BJP leaders as mere messengers of their central leadership, accusing them of lacking independence and commitment to local issues.
“There is a fundamental difference between us and the BJP,” Debbarman said. “When we go to Delhi, we speak about the grievances of our people and ensure their voices are heard. But BJP leaders act like postmen of their high command.”
“They go to Delhi, listen to their party leaders, come back, and repeat the same message. We don’t need postmen. If you don’t take our issues seriously, we are also not bound to protect your political interests,” he added.
Warning Against Cultural Interference
Debbarman also alleged that there were deliberate attempts to interfere in the cultural and religious practices of Tripura’s indigenous communities. He urged people not to forget their identity or allow external forces to dilute their traditions.
“Don’t forget who you are. We are proud of our identity, and we will protect it at all costs,” he said.
The Tipra Motha leader emphasized that identity, culture, and self-respect form the backbone of his party’s political philosophy and would remain non-negotiable.
Political Stakes Rise Ahead of TTAADC Elections
Although Tipra Motha and the BJP share an alliance at the state level, the two parties are emerging as bitter rivals ahead of the TTAADC elections. The electoral battle for Tripura’s lone autonomous district council has effectively turned into a high-stakes bipolar contest, with both sides intensifying their outreach among tribal voters.
Political observers believe that the 2026 TTAADC polls will be a litmus test for Tipra Motha’s influence among indigenous voters, as well as the BJP’s ability to retain its foothold in tribal-dominated regions amid rising identity-based assertions.
| Also Read: BJP will win all 28 seats in ADC |
Debbarman also informed that he would soon be leaving for Delhi to attend several engagements, where he plans to raise issues related to tribal rights and regional development at the national level.
As the political temperature rises, Debbarman’s open challenge to the Chief Minister has set the tone for what is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested TTAADC elections in recent history.
