Projecting a united regional front against what several leaders described as the “domination” of national parties, representatives from across the North East gathered at Agartala’s Swami Vivekananda Maidan on Thursday for the “One North East” rally. Convened by the Tipra Motha Party, a key constituent of a proposed pan-regional political platform, the rally served as a major show of strength and a declaration of regional political identity.
The event comes weeks after leaders from multiple parties announced their intention to create a North East-wide political alliance that would represent the region’s aspirations “in its true form and spirit”. Speakers at the rally repeatedly stressed that regional parties should no longer be treated as junior partners by national formations, asserting that the political landscape of the North East required greater autonomy and collective assertion.
Prominent leaders, including Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Assam People’s Party founder Daniel Langthasa, former BJP national spokesperson and Nagaland leader Mmhonlumo Kikon, and Ajay Edwards of the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front, addressed thousands of supporters.
Debbarman, in a fiery speech, alleged that while parties like Congress and CPI(M) face no restrictions holding rallies in Agartala, Tipra Motha has often encountered obstacles. Pointing out that the rally was initially scheduled for November 7 but was denied permission, he said its successful conduct demonstrated the power of Thansa (unity). Responding to criticism of his demand for “Greater Tipraland”, he said detractors and sections of the media often mocked him, but such reactions only strengthened his resolve. “The more you hit me, the stronger we shall bounce back,” he declared, asserting that the vision of Greater Tipraland may take years but is achievable through unity.
Citing political examples from Punjab, Maharashtra, Assam and Odisha, Debbarman accused national parties of systematically undermining regional allies. He argued that regional leaders were often disrespected, with chief ministers waiting days to meet party high commands. “If you shake hands with the national party, you will be reduced to nothing,” he warned.
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma highlighted the shared struggles of indigenous communities and emphasised that internal divisions had weakened the region’s collective strength. He said One North East aimed to stand up for people facing discrimination in the mainland and hinted at Pradyot Debbarman’s growing stature, a remark many interpreted as projecting him as a potential chief ministerial candidate should the regional bloc contest independently.
Tipra Motha’s senior leader and Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma criticised national parties for treating regional outfits as “temporary foot soldiers”, citing the Bodoland Territorial Council elections as an example of opportunistic alliances. Other speakers, including Hemchandra Singh, Langthasa and Kikon, warned that the greatest threats to indigenous peoples came from internal hatred and attempts to dilute cultural identity. Kikon stressed that denying communities the right to education in their own language amounted to attacking their heritage.
The rally underscored Tipra Motha’s growing inclination toward forming a broader regional coalition, despite being a partner in Tripura’s BJP-led government. Leaders indicated that the party is likely to contest the next assembly elections independently, signalling a shift toward a more assertive, unified North East political voice.
