Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday called upon junior ally Tipra Motha to soften its rigid positions on key issues and act responsibly within the ruling alliance. Addressing a conference of women workers organised by the Janajati Morcha at Baijalbari in Khowai district, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of unity and constructive cooperation to achieve the vision of “Ek Tripura, Srestha Tripura”.
“I always urge every stakeholder to come forward with a constructive mindset to turn our shared dream into reality. Any party in alliance with us is like a younger brother, and a younger brother should not have conflicting interests with the elder brother. Rebellion within the alliance looks undesirable,” Dr Saha said, in a clear message aimed at Tipra Motha.
Criticising the party’s shifting political positions, the Chief Minister alleged a contradiction between what Tipra Motha leaders say privately and what they project publicly. Referring to the ongoing debate over the script for the Kokborok language, Dr Saha said that in private discussions, Tipra Motha leaders acknowledge that adopting the Roman script could permanently hinder Kokborok’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
“I have repeatedly advised them to choose a script that originated in this land. Without that, constitutional recognition for this rich language will not be possible. Yet they remain adamant about the Roman script. Let us now see what recommendation the newly formed Atul Debbarma committee makes,” he added.
Recalling earlier language panels, Dr Saha noted that while the Shyama Charan Tripura committee had favoured the Roman script, later committees under Kumud Kundu Chowdhury and Pabitra Sarkar failed to reach any conclusive recommendation. He warned that undue preference for a foreign script could harm the history and cultural heritage of indigenous communities.
Addressing the gathering, BJP Tripura Pradesh President Rajib Bhattacharjee highlighted accelerated development in tribal areas under the double-engine government. He thanked the Chief Minister for allocating Rs 3,450 crore for tribal development, stating the funds would be utilised for education, health, and infrastructure.
Bhattacharjee also emphasized the BJP’s commitment to equitable development and equal representation, asserting that longstanding disparities faced by tribal communities must come to an end.
