Agartala (Tripura), July 23: TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has made a strong case before the Election Commission of India (ECI) today to initiate a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Tripura—similar to the ongoing exercise in Bihar—to identify and remove illegal voters from the state’s records.
Addressing a live session from Delhi after submitting a the demand in writing to the ECI, Debbarma said his party’s demand is not targeted against any religion or community.
“Let me be clear—I am not against any citizen of India, whether they worship Allah, God, or any other deity. But I am firmly against illegality. If people enter Tripura from Bangladesh or Myanmar, obtain Aadhaar, voter IDs, and eventually contest elections, it is the genuine citizens—tribals, Bengalis, and others—who will pay the price,” he asserted.
TMP Delegation Meets ECI in Delhi
Debbarma, accompanied by TMP ministers, MLAs, MDCs, and party leaders, met top ECI officials in New Delhi on today (July 23) to formally request the launch of a comprehensive verification process in Tripura. The delegation submitted a letter urging the Commission to act swiftly and replicate the Bihar model in the state.
“In Bihar, the government has reportedly identified over 52 lakh illegal voters through the ECI. We’ve asked the same for Tripura and the entire Northeast,” Debbarma stated.
“Tripura Risks Becoming Another Assam or Bengal”
Raising alarms over unchecked infiltration, Debbarma warned that Tripura could face a crisis similar to what Assam and West Bengal have experienced.
“If we don’t act now, our children’s future will be stolen. These illegal migrants will take jobs, access government benefits, and eventually hold public office,” he said.
He drew a parallel with Assam, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently spoken against illegal immigration.
“Ironically, those who attack me for speaking out in Tripura applaud Himanta Biswa Sarma for saying the same things in Assam,” Debbarma pointed out.
ECI Assures Nationwide Survey, TMP Urges Vigilance
According to Debbarma, the Election Commission assured the TMP delegation that the verification process would be conducted across India, and Tripura would be included. “We welcome the assurance, but we must remain alert. Tripura is a sensitive border state,” he emphasized.
Call for Unity Beyond Ethnic and Political Divides
In a strong appeal for social cohesion, Debbarma urged the Tiprasa, Bengalis, and all communities in Tripura to come together on this critical issue. “This isn’t just a tribal concern—it’s a Tripura concern. We are already a resource-strapped state. We struggle to provide jobs to our youth, medicine to our elderly. How can we afford to extend benefits to outsiders?” he asked.
Political Turmoil in Bangladesh May Worsen Situation
Debbarma also warned that rising political instability in neighbouring Bangladesh could worsen the infiltration crisis.
“If the Awami League is barred from contesting elections next year, its workers may seek refuge in India. They will change their names, faces, and documents, but they will come. If we are not cautious, these people will become MLAs and ministers in our land,” he said.
“Let’s Change the Politics by Changing Our Mindset”
Wrapping up his message, Debbarma said, “I want brotherhood, I want friendship. I want you and me to stand together and fight against illegal migration”.
Highlighting the gravity of the illegal immigration, he called for a mindset shift to tackle the issue of illegal migration effectively.
“I’m ready to change my thinking, and I have. But change needs to happen on all sides. If our Maharaja and Rabindranath Tagore could share a friendship a century ago, why can’t we unite today to protect our future?”
He reiterated that the real enemy is not within communities, but among those who exploit loopholes to enter and manipulate the system.
“This isn’t short-term politics—it’s about long-term survival and sovereignty,” he concluded.
