Founder of the Tipra Motha Party, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, on Wednesday intensified his campaign ahead of the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), claiming that the outcome of the polls would determine the future direction of politics in Tripura and influence who could become the Chief Minister after the 2028 Assembly elections.
Addressing a political gathering, Debbarman said the TTAADC elections would be crucial for the political future of the tribal communities. While he did not directly accuse any specific community, his remarks suggested that tribal people were being deprived of their rightful opportunities and resources.
He alleged that there was a broader plan to capture land protected under the Sixth Schedule in TTAADC areas. According to him, places such as Killa, Bishramganj and Kanchanpur could eventually be converted into Nagar Panchayats, which he claimed would undermine the interests of indigenous communities.
Debbarman also raised concerns over what he described as discrimination against tribal students. He claimed that while children from other communities were receiving modern educational support such as laptops and digital tools, many tribal families were being offered livestock assistance instead. He further alleged that children of political leaders were receiving quality education in English-medium institutions, while tribal students continued to struggle for similar opportunities.
Criticising the state government, Debbarman said such practices contradicted the development slogan of Bharatiya Janata Party — “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”. He also alleged that delays in certain elections had affected the flow of funds meant for development in ADC areas.
During the rally, Debbarman attempted to demonstrate public support by asking attendees to raise their hands in favour of his party. He also stated that his party would support Rampada Jamatia, the MLA from Bagma, if he were nominated for the post of Speaker in the Tripura Legislative Assembly.
Political observers noted that the remarks signal a sharper campaign strategy by the Tipra Motha leadership ahead of the crucial council elections.
