Agartala, August 25: TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Tuesday said no formal talks had taken place with the BJP over an alliance, making it clear that his party would not enter into any political arrangement without securing the rights and demands of the indigenous people of Tripura.
Speaking to reporters after arriving at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Debbarma said he was “completely in the dark” about reports of ongoing negotiations, asserting that neither the BJP nor anyone else had approached him officially.
“Officially, nothing has happened. Nobody has contacted me and nobody has spoken to me,” he said.
His comments come amid uncertainty over the BJP-TIPRA Motha relationship and continuing differences over the implementation of the March 2024 Tripartite Agreement involving the Centre, Tripura government and TIPRA Motha.
Debbarma said any alliance with a national party must be linked to concrete action on the demands of the Tiprasa people. He warned that TIPRA Motha was prepared to contest elections independently if no understanding was reached before the election process began.
“If a national party wants an alliance, they should give our people their rights,” he said, adding that it would otherwise be difficult to seek public support for an alliance.
The TIPRA Motha chief also stressed the need for stronger constitutional safeguards for tribal land and the future of Tripura’s indigenous population. Referring to the state’s proximity to Bangladesh, he argued that long-term protections were necessary irrespective of which political party was in power at the Centre.
Debbarma said his concerns were not directed against Bengali residents of Tripura. Rather, he said, the objective was to protect tribal land while ensuring that all communities living in the ADC areas continued to enjoy their legal rights.
“We are not fighting the Bengalis in Tripura. We are fighting to protect our land,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as excessive focus on party politics, saying employment, development and Tripura’s economic future should receive greater attention. He expressed concern over political violence and clashes following elections, saying such incidents damage the state’s image.
On possible ties with the Congress, Debbarma said he respected several Congress leaders but ruled out entering any alliance for personal or financial considerations.
Asked who held the initiative in possible alliance negotiations, he said he did not know but stressed that the final decision would rest with the people.
“The last ball is always in the people’s court. The people will decide,” he said.
His remarks underline TIPRA Motha’s conditional approach to any electoral understanding, with implementation of indigenous rights remaining central to the party’s political position.
