Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarman met Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha to discuss the delayed Tiprasa accord. Both leaders termed the talks “fruitful,” signaling renewed progress in resolving the accord’s implementation issues after months of political uncertainty.
In a development that could reshape Tripura’s tribal political landscape, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarman met Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday to discuss the much-delayed implementation of the Tiprasa accord. The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s residence in Agartala, marked a significant step toward reviving the stalled dialogue process between the state government and the Tipra Motha leadership.
The Tiprasa accord, signed in New Delhi last year as a tripartite agreement between the Tipra Motha, the Tripura government, and the Centre, was widely hailed as a political breakthrough for Tripura’s indigenous communities. It promised administrative, political, and economic empowerment for the Tiprasa people within a constitutional framework. The accord was expected to be implemented in a time-bound manner, with the majority of consultative work completed within six months.
However, more than 18 months later, the accord remains largely unimplemented, sparking frustration among Tipra Motha supporters. The delay, reportedly due to “reservations flagged by certain quarters,” had strained relations between the state’s ruling alliance and the Tipra Motha leadership.
‘Fruitful Meeting,’ Says Pradyot
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Pradyot Kishore described the discussion as “fruitful” and “encouraging.”
“During the meeting, I made our points clear, and the Chief Minister gave us a patient hearing. We also listened carefully to their views. It is encouraging that the consultation process has begun on a positive note,” Debbarman said.
He clarified that the meeting did not cover topics such as Village Council (VC) and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. Instead, the focus remained firmly on the implementation of the Tiprasa accord.
“It is a matter of great satisfaction that we are moving ahead with the talks over the accord,” he added, striking a hopeful tone about the process resuming after months of inactivity.
Second Meeting in Weeks Signals Renewed Engagement
This was the second meeting between Debbarman and Dr. Saha in recent weeks. Political observers see it as part of a concerted effort to bridge the widening gap between the ruling BJP-led coalition and the Tipra Motha Party, a key political player in Tripura’s tribal-dominated areas.
While both parties have refrained from making public accusations against each other, insiders suggest that dissatisfaction has been simmering over the prolonged delay in implementing the accord. Some Tipra Motha leaders reportedly fear that the delay could erode the party’s support base among indigenous voters who had rallied behind its slogan of seeking a “constitutional solution” for the Tiprasa people.
Political Stakes Remain High
Tipra Motha’s rise in Tripura’s political arena reshaped the state’s power dynamics. Riding on the promise of greater self-governance and cultural recognition for the indigenous communities, the party swept the TTAADC elections and emerged as a formidable force in state politics.
The signing of the Tiprasa accord had been celebrated as a vindication of Pradyot Kishore’s political struggle for the rights and identity of Tripura’s indigenous population. However, the lack of visible progress in implementing the accord over the past year and a half has raised questions among supporters about the government’s commitment.
Some within the party have reportedly grown restless, with internal debates surfacing about how long they can afford to wait without concrete action. The delay has also provided the opposition with fresh ammunition, as rival parties attempt to sow doubts among the indigenous electorate regarding the sincerity of both the government and Tipra Motha leadership in seeing the accord through.
Path Ahead
Despite the challenges, Friday’s meeting appears to have reignited cautious optimism on both sides. Sources suggest that technical consultations and framework discussions on the key components of the accord—covering governance, resource management, and representation—may resume soon under the joint supervision of the state and central governments.
For Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, the renewed talks represent an opportunity to reclaim the political momentum that once made Tipra Motha the dominant voice of Tripura’s tribal aspirations. For Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, the engagement signals a willingness to move forward collaboratively while maintaining stability within the state’s complex coalition politics.
| Also Read: BJP prepares for 2026 TTAADC Elections with major ground review |
If the current dialogue continues on a constructive path, the long-pending Tiprasa accord could finally begin transitioning from a symbolic document to a functional policy framework—bringing the promise of empowerment closer to reality for Tripura’s indigenous communities.
