‘Holding ministerial posts is meangliness’: Tipra Motha chief Pradyut Debbarma

Agartala, Feb 27: Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has clarified that indigenous rights must take priority over ministerial positions within the ruling alliance.

Speaking at the inaugural plenary session of the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) in Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan on Thursday, Debbarma stressed that holding ministerial posts is meaningless unless the concerns of indigenous communities are addressed.

“If the issues of the indigenous communities are not fulfilled by the government, then there is no use in having one or two ministers,” he stated.

He underscored that the party’s alliance with the BJP hinges on the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, which promises to safeguard the rights and welfare of Tripura’s indigenous population.

Signed in March 2024 as a tripartite agreement between the Centre, the Tripura government, and the Tipra Motha Party, the Tiprasa Accord seeks to resolve key indigenous concerns, including land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language.

Debbarma made it clear that Tipra Motha’s future in the alliance depends on the government’s commitment to the accord.

“If the government of India is serious, they should implement it; if not, then Tipra Motha has to find its next step,” he warned.

The YTF’s two-day plenary session opened with a rally in Agartala, highlighting demands for Greater Tipraland, the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, and long-pending village council elections.

Emphasizing the role of youth in the party’s vision, Debbarma pointed out that 70% of Tipra Motha’s recent election candidates were young individuals.

The party, which holds 13 seats in the 60-member Tripura Legislative Assembly, joined the BJP-led government with one cabinet minister and a minister of state. However, Debbarma reiterated that mere participation in the government is insignificant without meaningful action on indigenous issues.

“Land rights, direct funding to the district council, and constitutional rights are non-negotiable,” he asserted.

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