The Council of Tiprasa Hoda strongly criticized the reported statement made by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha relating to TIPRA Motha Chief Pradyot Kishore Deb Barman’s ‘Maharaja’ title.
The council members expressed their disappointment during a press conference held in Agartala and emphasized the importance of respecting the sentiments of all sections of society, especially for someone holding a constitutional position.
The representatives of Jamatia Hoda conveyed their concern, stating that if the Chief Minister intentionally made remarks questioning Pradyot Kishore Deb Barma’s “Maharaja” title, it would have adverse effects on the entire Tiprasa community.
They clarified that while Pradyot Kishore Deb Barma had never insisted on being addressed as “Maharaja,” the title holds significance within their customs and traditions, reflecting his prominent role in their society.
Meanwhile, when asked about the alleged statement, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha expressed his high regard for the royal family and their amicable relationship. However, he neither confirmed nor denied making the reported statement about the TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) chief.
It is important to note that the Chief Minister did not make any public remarks against Pradyot Kishore. The reported statement surfaced after his speech at a party workers’ meeting, where even the media was not present, indicating a possible leakage of the speech.
In this backdrop, responding to the media’s queries, Dr. Saha commented that if he indeed made the remark, it was part of the party’s internal affairs and that he refrained from further reactions as well as expressed his concern over the possibility of dirty politics being played over his reported statement in a closed door meeting.
Meantime, TMP activists organized a protest rally in Tuidu, under Ampi in the Gomati District. The demonstrators voiced their strong opposition to Dr. Saha’s reported statement and burned an effigy of the Chief Minister. They raised slogans against Dr Saha and condemned the Chief Minister’s remarks, asserting that it was undesirable and hurt the sentiments of the indigenous people.
It is obvious that the controversy erupted after someone from the ruling party leaked the Chief Minister’s speech addressing the party functionaries. And, it appears the Chief Minister rightly smelt a rat. The party leaders need to look into such matters seriously as it may falsely create a bad image of the Government.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the ruling party and its leaders will address and resolve such internal issues.
