Tipra Motha Party Leader Rejects Alliance with BJP Ahead of Tribal Council Elections

Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, leader of the Tipra Motha Party, has publicly rejected pressures to ally with the BJP for the upcoming tribal council elections in Tripura. He emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of the Tiprasa people and criticizes the Chief Minister's attempts to influence voter decisions. With elections approaching on April 12, Debbarma warns that failure to win could have dire consequences for the indigenous community. This election is framed not just as a political contest but as a crucial fight for the survival of the Tiprasa identity and rights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 11:44 IST

Pressure to Ally with BJP

Agartala, March 30: Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the leader of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), has revealed that he faced significant pressure to form an alliance with the BJP prior to the upcoming tribal council elections in Tripura.

In a social media update on Sunday, Debbarma stated, "I encountered immense pressure to collaborate with the BJP for the tribal council elections, but I refused to compromise the rights of the Tiprasa people."

Although the TMP is currently part of the ruling coalition with the BJP in the state, the BJP has opted to contest the tribal council elections independently.

Debbarma expressed concerns about potential divisions within his party if an alliance with the BJP was not established, noting that five senior members, including an Executive Member of the tribal council, have defected to the BJP.

"Why should I partner with the BJP? It has been over two years since the Tiprasa accord was signed with both the Centre and the State government, yet it remains unimplemented. This election transcends a mere electoral contest; it is a struggle for the survival and existence of the Tiprasa community," he emphasized.

He also criticized Chief Minister Manik Saha for allegedly instructing the Tiprasa people to vote for the BJP to ensure the fulfillment of the Tiprasa Accord.

"I respect Saha as our Chief Minister, but he cannot dictate how the people should vote to see the accord enacted. In a democracy, voters should not be coerced into supporting any specific party," he remarked.

Recently, Saha indicated that the concerns surrounding the Tiprasa Accord would be addressed if the BJP secures control of the council at Khumulwng, the headquarters of the TTAADC in West Tripura district.

Debbarma called for unity among the indigenous population, warning that the community would face dire consequences if his party does not succeed in the council elections.

"If we do not win, the Tiprasa people will ultimately suffer, as no one else will advocate for issues like land rights, direct funding to the council, and the recognition of the Kokborok script," he stated.

"Victory is within our reach because we are pursuing the right path for the benefit of the Tiprasa people," he concluded.

The elections for 28 seats of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) are scheduled for April 12, with the counting of votes set for April 17.