Agartala, Nov 11 — In a fiery press conference ahead of the upcoming Janajati Gaurav Diwas, State Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma launched a sharp attack on the CPI-M, branding its state secretary Jitendra Choudhury as “a curse to the indigenous people” and asserting that “CPI-M will never return.” His remarks set the stage for a politically charged observance of Tribal Pride Day on November 15, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The press meet, also attended by BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma and media in-charge Sunit Sarkar, outlined an extensive programme to celebrate tribal pride and heritage across Tripura. The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to tribal welfare, citing major initiatives in education and infrastructure. He revealed that the Centre has approved the establishment of a Tribal University in the state and that discussions are underway to expand hostel and development facilities.
Highlighting governance in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Debbarma said it is functioning under the leadership of the Maharaja and expressed confidence that the public will give its verdict in 2026. Criticizing the CPI-M’s 35-year rule, he accused the party of exploiting tribal communities and said it had failed to deliver, establishing only four Eklavya schools during its tenure.
Bipin Debbarma announced that district-level events will be held from November 13 to 15, featuring rallies, open forums, and cultural processions involving 20 tribal communities. Publicity for the celebrations began on November 9. The main state-level event at Khumulwng will feature a grand performance by 1,200 Mamita dancers at the Eklavya School, symbolizing unity and cultural pride among Tripura’s indigenous communities.
