Tipra Motha Chief calls for tribal unity in Tripura amid political challenges

Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Thursday urged Tripura’s indigenous communities to stay united, alleging that attempts are being made to divide them along tribal lines. Speaking at the Youth Tipra Federation’s first plenary session at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Debbarma emphasized that the unity of Reangs, Tripuris, and other tribes is crucial to achieving their common demands. Debbarma cited historical examples, stating, “When Tripura was a princely state, we defeated the Mughals because we fought as one. Today, we must do the same.” He asserted that only the youth could resist the conspiracy to divide the Tipra people and vowed never to betray his community. He also highlighted the 2028 Tripura Assembly elections, stressing that if tribal parties remain fragmented, they will lose their political influence.

Reiterating his demand for a ‘Greater Tipraland’, Debbarma said, “This is our goal, but unity must come first. Independence movements and struggles take time—whether it was India’s freedom or the BJP’s fight for the Ram Mandir.” He further stated that the party would continue fighting for land rights, political rights, and against corruption, but success would depend on tribal solidarity. Tripura’s tribal population makes up one-third of the state, and the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) controls the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which covers two-thirds of the state’s territory.

In the 60-member Tripura Assembly, the BJP holds 33 seats, TMP has 13 MLAs, and its coalition partner IPFT has one seat. The opposition CPI(M) holds 10 seats, while the Congress has three. With Tripura’s next assembly elections approaching, Debbarma’s appeal for tribal unity is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s political landscape.