Pradyot declares Tipra Motha will capture the Tripura Assembly in 2028, escalating tensions with BJP and highlighting indigenous rights, TTAADC resource distribution, and political rivalry ahead of upcoming elections.
In a bold political statement that could reshape the future of Tripura’s ruling alliance, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Sunday declared that his party, Tipra Motha, would capture the Tripura Legislative Assembly in 2028. His remarks are widely seen as a direct challenge to the senior alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), amid growing signs of friction between the two political forces.
Addressing a joining programme at South Hadrai VC, Debbarman—popularly known among his supporters as Bubagra—called on voters to reject any political party that, in his words, “looks down upon the indigenous people of the state.” Though he refrained from naming any specific party, his criticism was interpreted by political observers as aimed squarely at the BJP, given the widening rift within the ruling coalition.
Veiled Attack on Political Rivals
During his speech, Debbarman criticized what he described as “seasonal leaders” who appear prominently only during election cycles. He contrasted this with his own grassroots outreach over the past five years.
“Some parties and their leaders try to attract the spotlight only during elections. When elections are round the corner, they come and try to position themselves as leaders. For the last five years, I have toured every corner of the state. I am there with you on every possible occasion. How can someone become a leader when he is absent in the time of need?” Debbarman said.
His remarks underscore a strategic attempt to position himself as a consistent and accessible leader, particularly among indigenous communities in rural and remote areas of Tripura.
Strong Words on Resource Distribution in TTAADC Areas
A significant portion of Debbarman’s speech focused on economic disparity and resource allocation in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) regions. He argued that despite being resource-rich, these areas have not received proportional development benefits.
“The TTAADC areas are resource heavy. We have rubber and ONGC exploration sites. But the revenue generated from these sources is spent either in Agartala or surrounding urban areas,” he claimed.
Debbarman alleged that while the votes of people in the state capital and those in remote tribal villages carry equal democratic value, the distribution of development funds does not reflect that equality. This argument aligns with Tipra Motha’s longstanding demand for greater autonomy and equitable development for indigenous communities.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2026 and 2028
Debbarman also responded to what he described as threats from rival political parties. “Some parties are making big claims to send me to jail. They want to capture land which belongs to us legally. The names of communities may be different across the state, but the problems they face are similar,” he said.
In a pointed message to political opponents who have expressed ambitions of winning control of TTAADC in 2026, Debbarman countered with a larger target: the 2028 Assembly elections.
“A particular party has been making tall claims of capturing TTAADC in 2026. My message to them is clear—Bubagra will capture the Assembly in 2028. We are the sons of the soil and capable of doing anything,” he declared to loud applause from supporters.
His assertive tone signals a shift from regional autonomy demands toward a broader statewide political ambition.
Strengthening Party Base
The event at South Hadrai VC also witnessed a visible expansion of Tipra Motha’s grassroots network. According to party sources, 150 voters from 30 families, previously affiliated with different political parties, joined Tipra Motha in Debbarman’s presence.
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This development indicates that the party is actively consolidating its base ahead of upcoming electoral battles. Political analysts believe that if the alliance tensions continue, Tripura could witness a significant realignment of political forces before 2028.
As the state moves closer to the 2026 TTAADC polls and eventually the 2028 Assembly elections, Debbarman’s declaration adds a new dimension to Tripura’s political landscape. Whether this bold claim translates into electoral success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for Tripura’s future has already begun.
