Batting for ethnic unity, Pradyot roars against identity based politics, Bangladesh
Agartala Oct 15: Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Wednesday described the ethnic rift in Tripura as an “artificial wall of division” and made a fervent appeal for its demolition, asserting that true progress and peace can only be achieved through unity between the tribal and Bengali communities.
He warned that once this wall collapses, many politicians who thrive on identity-based politics would lose relevance. “When the wall falls, several politicians will have to retire as their brand of politics will no longer survive,” Debbarma remarked.
Addressing a large public gathering in Karbook, the TMP supremo alleged that the deep-rooted social and political divide between the two major communities had been deliberately perpetuated by vested interests. “The divide between tribals and Bengalis must end for a better tomorrow,” he said, adding that harmony between the two groups was vital not only for Tripura’s internal peace but also for strengthening its position against external threats.
“If Tripura stands united, Bangladesh can never challenge us,” Debbarma asserted, stressing the need for collective strength and solidarity.
Drawing a parallel between the struggles of the state’s tribal population and that of rural Bengalis, he said, “Just as our tribal brothers and sisters have been deprived for years, Bengalis in the villages also continue to face similar hardships.”
Debbarma reiterated that political unity would render divisive politics obsolete. “Once this wall comes down, many will have to shut shop permanently,” he quipped, hinting at the end of opportunistic politics.
The TMP chief addressed two major organisational meetings on Wednesday—one in Karbook and another in Teliamura. Notably, he has recently begun incorporating Bengali phrases into his speeches, a shift from his earlier Hindi-only addresses. Political observers view this linguistic adaptation as a calculated strategy to reach a broader electorate, suggesting that the Tipra Motha leader may be looking beyond the 20 tribal-reserved constituencies in the next assembly elections to expand his party’s influence across all 60 seats.
In a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Debbarma accused it of engaging in divisive politics. “If the Muslims of India were to leave the country, how would the BJP continue its politics?” he asked rhetorically. “This is how divisive politics functions. When I visit Muslim areas, clerics ask for money to secure votes. Such vote-bank politics helps no one.”
He urged the Muslim community to rise above political manipulation and focus on education. “It’s fine if your child studies in a madrasa, but he or she should not be deprived of formal education,” Debbarma advised.
At the Teliamura rally, Debbarma announced that the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections would be held within the next five months. “Maintain the Thansa (unity) a little longer. We will certainly win this time—no one can defeat us in the coming elections,” he declared confidently.
Taking a veiled swipe at the BJP-led state government, in which the TMP is a coalition partner, Debbarma criticised the delay in holding Village Committee (VC) elections. “The last VC polls were conducted in 2016. They are being delayed because the ruling party knows it will draw a blank,” he alleged.
Although the Tipra Motha Party is part of the government, its leadership has increasingly adopted an opposition-like stance in recent months. Debbarma has repeatedly cautioned that his party may withdraw from the alliance if its demands and commitments are ignored.
Political analysts believe that Debbarma’s recent speeches signal a clear effort to reposition himself as a unifying figure in Tripura’s political landscape—challenging divisive rhetoric and broadening his appeal across community lines ahead of the crucial local and assembly elections.
