Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarman admits contesting 42 seats in 2023 helped BJP win and says the party will restrict itself to 25–30 seats next election. He asserts Tiprasa rights, criticizes BJP leaders, and vows stronger political fight.
Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Thursday openly acknowledged that his party’s decision to contest 42 assembly constituencies in the 2023 polls may have indirectly aided the Bharatiya Janata Party’s return to power. Speaking to reporters after addressing a public gathering in Manaipathar, Debbarman said that the party has now corrected its strategic course and will limit contesting seats to between 25 and 30 in the upcoming election.
Debbarman endorsed the earlier remarks made by Tipra Motha’s Chief Executive Member (CEM) Purna Chandra Jamatia, who had also hinted that contesting too many seats may have split the anti-BJP vote. “It is a fact that if we had restricted ourselves within the 20 assembly ST-reserved constituencies, the outcome of the poll could have been totally different,” he admitted.
Reflecting on the 2023 assembly elections, he added, “In hindsight, we have realised that we should not allow any other political party to get a backdoor entry. This time we believe we shouldn’t contest in more than 25 to 30 seats.” His remarks suggest a more strategic and concentrated electoral focus aimed at strengthening the influence of the party in its core tribal support base.
Strong Public Support, Says Pradyot
When asked about the political strength of Tipra Motha, Debbarman asserted that the ground-level response from the public itself proves the party’s rising influence. “The public response speaks volumes of our strength. The political leaders of other parties must realise that those who are trying to keep Tiprasa down using money and administrative power will not succeed in the days to come,” he said.
He also emphasized that his party’s politics is centered around the rights and aspirations of the indigenous Tiprasa community. “I feel we have to keep on speaking for the rights of people, and the results will speak louder in favour of us.”
Pradyot Slams BJP Leaders for ‘Self-Interest’
Reacting to recent criticism coming from a section of BJP leaders, Debbarman dismissed their remarks as politically motivated. “Those who really understand politics are well aware of our ground presence and political strength,” he said.
He further alleged that some BJP leaders are targeting Tipra Motha as part of an internal battle for tickets within the ruling party. “A section of BJP leaders actually want to secure tickets for themselves in the next elections, which is why they are speaking against us. Because if they secure tickets, they will get money for elections.”
The statement appears to be a direct attack on rivals within the BJP whom he accused of using the tribal political narrative for personal gains.
‘Accord Signed but Fight Continues’
On being asked about the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord signed earlier this year, the Tipra Motha chief made it clear that signing the agreement does not mean the party will remain silent on key issues. “Just because we have signed an accord, we can’t stay silent. We should speak for the rights of people,” he said.
Debbarman reiterated that one of the core grievances remains unresolved — the lack of empowerment of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) in matters related to land rights. “Tripura is an exception where the tribal district council is not empowered to deal with land rights. This is our core issue. And we will fight for it,” he declared.
Strategic Reset Ahead of Elections
Political observers believe that Tipra Motha’s decision to limit its contest to 25–30 seats could reshape the broader electoral landscape in Tripura. With the tribal vote often acting as a deciding factor in several constituencies, a focused and consolidated campaign may enhance the party’s bargaining power and influence in the formation of the next government.
Debbarman’s public acknowledgment of past errors and his sharp criticism of certain BJP leaders also indicate an intensifying political rivalry ahead of the elections.
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As the political temperature in Tripura rises, Tipra Motha’s recalibrated strategy and renewed emphasis on Tiprasa rights are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s political discourse in the coming months.
