Pradyot Debbarma criticizes BJP manifesto, raises Roman script controversy, and urges Tiprasa unity ahead of TTAADC elections, highlighting indigenous rights, land issues, and political tensions in Tripura’s tribal regions.
In a politically charged development ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, supremo of the Tipra Motha Party, on Monday strongly questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election manifesto, raising concerns over indigenous rights, language identity, and internal unity among the Tiprasa community.
Addressing a campaign rally at Ampinagar in Gomati district, Debbarma alleged that the BJP manifesto fails to provide clear commitments on critical issues affecting indigenous people. He highlighted the absence of concrete assurances on land rights, protection of tribal identity, and the future of the Kokborok language, which remains a deeply sensitive cultural issue in Tripura.
One of the key points of contention raised by Debbarma was the use of Roman script in the BJP’s manifesto for Kokborok. He pointed out what he described as a contradiction, noting that the party had earlier opposed the use of Roman script for the language. According to him, such inconsistencies raise questions about the party’s sincerity in preserving indigenous linguistic heritage.
Debbarma also voiced strong opposition to the proposal of renaming the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). He argued that removing the word “Tribal” from the council’s name could dilute the constitutional safeguards and distinct identity of indigenous communities. The TTAADC, established to ensure self-governance for tribal populations, remains a cornerstone of political representation in the state.
Turning his focus to recent tensions in the hill regions, the Tipra Motha leader cautioned that the conflict is not merely political but reflects growing divisions within the indigenous community itself. He stressed that such fragmentation could have long-term consequences, weakening the collective voice of the Tiprasa people.
“Elections will come and go, but our community must remain united,” Debbarma said, urging people to rise above political differences. He appealed to supporters of all parties to maintain peace and avoid internal conflicts during and after the election process.
Calling for unity across political lines, he emphasized the importance of “dafa,” or community solidarity, as a guiding principle for the Tiprasa people. He warned that any form of division would undermine their shared future and weaken their ability to secure rights and development.
Debbarma also encouraged voters, particularly the youth, to focus on long-term issues rather than short-term political promises. He urged them to question candidates on pressing concerns such as poor infrastructure, inadequate drinking water supply, and the lack of quality education facilities in tribal areas.
In a note of optimism, he expressed confidence that former party members, including local leader Saudagar Kalai, would eventually return to the Tipra Motha fold, strengthening the party’s grassroots base.
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As the TTAADC elections approach, Debbarma’s remarks underscore the growing political contestation in Tripura’s tribal regions, with identity, unity, and development emerging as central themes shaping voter sentiment.
