Agartala: Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has issued a stern warning, stating that the party is prepared to step out of the power in Tripura if the promises made to them are not fulfilled.
The TMP, which contested the 2023 assembly elections independently and secured 13 seats, later joined the BJP-led coalition government just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In a video posted on Facebook to mark the party’s foundation day on Wednesday, Debbarma expressed his discontent over the unfulfilled promises, reiterating that the party’s demands were not against the nation but aimed at safeguarding the rights of indigenous people.
“We sought rights for security, land, education, identity, direct funding for the Tripura Autonomous District Council (TADC), and the protection of our culture. These demands are not harmful to the country, but it feels like we are being betrayed,” he said.
Debbarma emphasised that if these promises were not honoured, the TMP would be ready to leave the coalition government.
“If we are not given the rights we were promised, we are willing to step out of power. There is no purpose in holding power if we cannot serve our people. Politics is not our priority; ensuring the rights of our people is,” he stated firmly.
The TMP leader also urged his party’s MLAs and members of the District Council (MDCs) to be prepared to make crucial decisions when the time comes.
He expressed his frustration over the ongoing delay in holding elections to village committees in the tribal areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
“We cannot betray the people,” Debbarma added, drawing attention to the growing concerns about minority rights in neighbouring Bangladesh.
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“While Bangladesh is becoming more aligned with Pakistan, we are failing to secure the rights of our indigenous people here in Tripura. If insurgency returns, who will be accountable? If peaceful demands are delayed, the government responds quickly only when violence erupts,” he said.
Debbarma urged the government to address the Tiprasa people’s demands, emphasiisng that the party had been waiting for over a year for a resolution.
“We cannot wait any longer. Either help us or allow us to decide our future course of action,” he urged.
While the TMP supremo reiterated his respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he voiced his frustration over the stagnation of the situation. “The future of our children and our people is in limbo. We have waited long enough,” he concluded.