Agartala: Mar 29. “Had we forged an alliance, the interests of Tiprasa would have suffered due to the unfulfilled Tiprasa Accord,” said Royal Scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma. This was stated during a social media livestream on Sunday, as he broke his silence after several days since the announcement of TTAADC polls schedule.
Addressing party workers and supporters, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder revealed that he had consciously refused to enter into a pre-poll alliance with the BJP for the upcoming TTAADC elections, despite mounting pressure from within sections of his own party.
“I have been silent for several days. I did not communicate with anyone. When I am hurt, I become silent,” Debbarma said, hinting at personal discomfort over recent developments.
He disclosed that many leaders within the party had strongly advocated for an alliance, believing it would ensure electoral success across all 28 seats and help tackle financial constraints. “I have been told to make an alliance with BJP, but I did not concede to the pressure,” he said.
However, Debbarma asserted that such a move would have compromised the party’s core principles. “Had we forged the alliance, the interest of Tiprasa over unfulfillment of Tiprasa Accord would have suffered,” he reiterated, emphasizing that the constitutional rights of Tiprasa people remain non-negotiable.
Acknowledging the political cost of his decision, he said, “I could anticipate that the party would be affected and several leaders would go as well. But I do not hold any personal grievances. For opportunities, people move from one party to another.”
On ticket distribution, he noted that more than 300 aspirants had sought nominations for just 28 seats. “I am really sad that I could not give tickets to many leaders,” he added.
Responding to remarks by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who suggested that voting for the BJP would ensure implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, Debbarma pushed back strongly. “Don’t order the Tiprasa in a democratic setup. If you truly believe in democracy, first fulfil the demands you have made and then we will vote for you. If you deliver, we will support you,” he said.
He further remarked that after electoral success, any meaningful progress on the Accord would come from the Centre. “The call will come from Delhi, not from the Chief Minister’s office,” he stated.
Taking a subtle dig at recent political remarks, he said discussions around the word “Thansa” had at least made people aware of its significance, adding that it would remain in public memory.
Reflecting on his political journey, Debbarma said he built the party “brick by brick” after leaving the Congress and initially working through an NGO. He reiterated that his mission has always been to address historical injustices faced by Tiprasa people, who were once the majority in Tripura.
On the electoral challenge ahead, he admitted, “It is a fact that the fight will be difficult. We do not have the money power that our opponents have.”
Appealing for peace during the TTAADC elections, he urged supporters to avoid violence. “Do not indulge in violence. We are harming our own people,” he said.
Reaffirming his stance, Debbarma concluded that TMP’s primary alliance remains with the Tiprasa people. He called for electoral support, stating that a victory for TMP would not be personal, but a collective win representing the true interests and aspirations of the Tiprasa community.
