Agartala, 13 October 2025: In a major political development, more than 1,200 new members joined the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) on Monday at a grand Mega Joining Programme organised at Rabindra Bhawan, Agartala. The event, held under the theme “Thansa” (meaning unity), witnessed an overwhelming response from supporters across the state.

He used the occasion to outline the core ideology of Tipra Motha, attack national parties, and lay out a strategic roadmap for the fight for Tiprasa rights.

Tipra Motha Founder and Chairman Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma addressed the gathering with an impassioned speech that blended emotion, political determination, and a renewed call for Tiprasa unity.

Bubagra emphasised that Tipra Motha was “not just a political party but a people’s movement” committed to securing the rights, identity, and dignity of the indigenous Tiprasa community.

“Leaders may come and go, but the people and our cause are permanent,” Bubagra said to thunderous applause from the packed audience.

He announced that he had approached the Supreme Court of India on two key issues affecting the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) the delay in conducting Village Council elections and the non-approval of 38 pending ADC Bills by the state government.

“When the system fails to listen to our voice, we must seek justice through constitutional means,” he added, reaffirming his commitment to protect the constitutional rights of the tribal council and its people.

Bubagra also asserted that the upcoming ADC and VC elections would not merely be about political victory but a struggle for dignity, self-governance, and recognition.

He urged all Tiprasa leaders and organisations, including the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), to rise above personal and political divisions and come together under one united platform for the greater good of the community.

“If we remain divided, others will decide our fate. Unity is our only strength,” he said.

Calling upon the youth to take up leadership responsibilities, Bubagra reiterated his long-standing demand for a constitutional solution for the Tiprasa people and expressed hope that one day Tripura would have a Tiprasa Chief Minister.

Senior party leaders, hundreds of supporters attended the event, which concluded with the formal induction of 1,223 new members into Tipra Motha. The newly joined members pledged to uphold the ideals of Thansa and work collectively for the progress of the indigenous community.

1. The Ideology of Tipra Motha: A Movement, Not Just a Party

Debbarma began by questioning the motives of those joining. He stressed that Tipra Motha is not a vehicle for personal power or a consolation for those who failed to get tickets in national parties like the BJP, Congress, or CPI(M).

• Contrast with National Parties: He shared his personal experience, having been a Congress president. He stated that national parties offer facilities and a platform to talk about national and international issues, but there is no space to fight for the constitutional rights of the Tiprasa (indigenous people of Tripura).
• Goal is Empowerment, Not Power: He declared that if someone is in politics for money or fame, a national party is the easier route. But if they are in politics to secure rights and a better future for the next generation, then a regional party like Tipra Motha is the only option. He emphatically stated, “I don’t need leaders, I am the leader. I need warriors.”

2. Legal and Constitutional Fight for Rights

Debbarma detailed the ongoing legal battles his organization is fighting to assert tribal rights.

• Village Committee (VC) Elections: He revealed that VC elections have not been held in Tripura for nine years, despite High Court orders. The case is now in the Supreme Court, and he expressed faith that the apex court would deliver justice.
• Blocked ADC Bills: In a major revelation, he stated that the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has passed 38 bills over the last 15 years (under both CPI(M) and Tipra Motha regimes) and sent them to the state government for the Governor’s assent. Not a single one has been signed. He has filed a case in the Supreme Court to force a decision, calling this delay “against the law, against the republic, and a mockery of Tiprasa emotions.”
• Land Rights are Key: He connected these legal fights to the core issue of land rights, which he believes can only be secured through a constitutional solution like the Tiprasa Accord.

3. Political Strategy: Unity and Defeating National Parties

He laid out a clear political strategy, drawing lessons from other states.

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• Reject National Parties in ADC: He called upon supporters to ensure that national parties do not win a single seat in the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections.
• Unity with IPFT: He extended an olive branch to the IPFT, another regional tribal party, citing the example of Bodoland. There, despite attempts to break unity, the BPF and Tipra Motha stood together and won. He urged the IPFT to unite with Tipra Motha under his leadership to fight together for the community’s cause.
• The Ultimate Goal: The primary goal is not the victory of Tipra Motha or IPFT, but to see a Tiprasa become the Chief Minister of Tripura and secure the community’s land rights and dignity.

4. A Message of Inclusive Development and Self-Respect

Debbarma addressed his often-tense relationship with the Bengali community and media, presenting a vision of inclusive development.

• Clarifying His Stance: He stated he is not against any community. He recalled the historical context of how the Tripura kings gave refuge to Bengalis from East Pakistan/Bangladesh during Partition. He expressed frustration that some now see Tiprasa as enemies while showing sympathy for those who committed atrocities.
• Offer of Unity: He declared, “We are ready. We will join hands with you and together we will counter Bangladesh.” He positioned himself as a leader for all of Tripura.
• Self-Respect over Money: Responding to criticism about his “Agartala ka malik” (Owner of Agartala) remark, he said that while his movement may lack money, it is rich in self-respect. He claimed that leaders of national parties failed to counter insults against the indigenous community, while he did.

5. A Personal Appeal and a Vision for the Future

In a heartfelt conclusion, he made a personal appeal to the people.

• A Changed Leader: He acknowledged his own evolution, saying the Pradyot of 2021 is very different from the Pradyot of today. He has learned to identify who truly loves the Tiprasa and who uses them.
• A Broader Vision: He announced that his politics will not be confined to Tripura. He envisions a united indigenous party for the entire Northeast— spanning Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, etc.—to fight for the rights of all indigenous peoples.
• Call for Discipline and Love: He urged his supporters to avoid infighting over tickets and leadership. He asked for their disciplined support, promising to take the responsibility of leadership. His final message was one of love and resilience: “It is very easy to burn a house, to kill someone. But to give birth, to build a house, is very difficult… God is with us, and we will win.”

kamal jamatia