Tripura, 21 Jan 2026: Ahead of the forthcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, TIPRA Motha supremo and royal scion Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on Wednesday addressed a massive public gathering at Manu Chailengta. During the programme, 1,326 voters from 556 families, belonging to different political parties, formally joined TIPRA Motha.
Addressing the gathering, Bubagra Pradyot Manikya delivered an emotional and hard-hitting speech, calling for unity among all Indigenous communities of Tripura. He stressed that love, solidarity, and collective strength among Tiprasa including Chakma, Reang (Bru), Jamatia, Mog, Debbarma and others are essential for achieving self-respect, rights, and a secure future.
Referring to the killing of Angel Chakma outside the state, Pradyot Manikya said such incidents highlight how people from the Northeast are often targeted and stereotyped based on appearance, irrespective of their individual identities or faiths. He warned that dividing issues along community lines would only weaken Indigenous people and expose future generations to similar dangers.
Clarifying his political stand, the TIPRA Motha leader said he had not come to ask for votes but to make people understand the reality on the ground. He asserted that his fight is not for a political party but for the rights, dignity, land, and future of the Tiprasa people. “This movement is about protecting land, securing education, jobs, and ensuring that our children do not remain trapped in poverty,” he said.
Appealing especially to mothers and parents, Bubagra urged them to think beyond short-term monetary gains during elections and focus on the long-term future of their children. He questioned whether parents want their children to remain daily wage labourers under schemes like MGNREGA or aspire to become officers, judges, and leaders.
Criticising mainstream parties, he alleged that while resources such as gas, oil, rubber, and land come from ADC areas, development funds are largely spent elsewhere, leaving Indigenous regions neglected. He emphasised the need for “Thansa” (unity) and warned against being divided by money, religion, or caste-based politics.
Pradyot Manikya also urged supporters not to react to provocative statements by rival leaders, saying that peace and dignity must be maintained. He called upon people to accept election-time inducements if offered, but to vote consciously for the future and rights of their children.
Concluding his speech, Bubagra reiterated his commitment to the Tiprasa people, stating that he would never betray their trust. He expressed confidence that unity among Indigenous communities would lead to victory in the upcoming ADC elections, asserting that it would be a win not just for TIPRA Motha, but for all Tiprasa, including Chakmas and other Indigenous groups.
“I love you, but love each other first. Only unity will bring our rule, our rights, and a better future for Tripura,” he said, amid loud cheers from the gathering.
