Agartala, Apr 01: Royal Scion and Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on Wednesday clarified that he chose not to enter into an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming TTAADC elections, stating that the proposed arrangement would not address the core issues including Tiprasa Accord of the Tiprasa people.
Addressing a campaign rally at Silachari Motorstand under Karbook sub-division, he said a 14–14 seat-sharing proposal in the 28-member Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) was offered but rejected outright.
According to Debbarma, the deal would have only ensured additional portfolios and election funds without resolving long-standing demands concerning rights, identity and development.
He further alleged that he faced pressure over rejecting the proposal, including suggestions that his party could split if the alliance was not accepted. However, he maintained that his entry into politics is aimed at securing dignity, rights and a better future for the Tiprasa community, not personal gain.
Amid the poll campaign, Debbarma also reiterated his vision of “Greater Tipraland,” suggesting that select regions of Bangladesh could be incorporated if there is unity among the Tiprasa people.
“Our people from the Chakma and Mog communities are living in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong and Khagrachhari. One day I will bring these areas under Tripura—if the Tiprasa people show thansa (unity),” he said.
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Manik Saha, he accused the BJP of seeking votes without delivering for indigenous communities. “Take votes of Tiprasa people after ensuring their rights, future, jobs, direct funding to the tribal council, Kokborok script and respect—not before,” he said.
Debbarma also appealed to voters to support TMP candidate Manindra Tripura in the Silachari–Manubankul constituency for the upcoming council polls.
