Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, royal scion and founder of the Tipra Motha Party, on Wednesday highlighted the crucial importance of this year’s Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. He said a victory for Tipra Motha could open the path for an indigenous Chief Minister in the 2028 Assembly elections.
Pradyot addressed large election rallies at Champahour and Ramchandraghat in Khowai District, urging indigenous voters to choose between supporting Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha or backing their own community.
“On one side, the BJP has party machinery and financial resources. On the other, we have our poor indigenous people and the strength of community. Tiprasa will not vote for money—they will vote for their community,” he said. He also criticized the delay in Village Council elections and the government’s stance on the Kokborok script, pointing out the contradiction of publishing a poll manifesto in Roman script while refusing to grant official recognition to it.
Pradyot stressed his reliance on the collective strength of the indigenous population, calling on youth and community members to unite on April 12.
“If we had power, we could assert our rights and show Bangladesh that this is our land. We could assure our people there is nothing to fear. On April 17, raise your voice for the next generation. Unlike regular elections, this one isn’t about winning for a party—it’s about protecting the TTAADC. My vision for 2028 is to reach Agartala and ensure the Chief Minister is from the tribal community. This can happen if we maintain unity and avoid internal conflicts,” he said.
He also cautioned party members who have joined or are in contact with the BJP, warning that they will be sidelined after the elections. “BJP will betray you. Stay with your community. I am not seeking money or positions from them; I want land rights, education, direct funding, and other benefits for the Tiprasa people. If we win, there is a real chance to make a Tiprasa Chief Minister in 2028,” he concluded.
