In a letter to the people of Tripura, Pradyot Bikram Manikya said he is leaving active politics after years of political work, negotiations and personal sacrifice, primarily to focus on his health, family and peace of mind while continuing to support the rights and dignity of indigenous communities.
Key Takeaways
- Pradyot Bikram Manikya announced that he is stepping away from active politics and will no longer hold political office or take part in day-to-day political activities.
- He cited his health, family and the need for personal peace after years of political work and negotiations over the Tiprasa Accord.
- Pradyot said the Tiprasa Accord remains bigger than any individual or political party and must be implemented within the stipulated timeframe.
TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya has announced his decision to step away from active politics, saying years of public life, negotiations and political struggle have taken a toll on his health, family and peace of mind.
In a letter addressed to the people of Tripura, Pradyot said he would no longer hold political office or participate in day-to-day political activities. He described the decision as “clear and final” and said it was not a temporary withdrawal or a decision taken in anger.
Pradyot said he now wants to focus on his health, spend time with his family and recover parts of his life that he had neglected during years of public responsibilities.
Tiprasa Accord remains central to his message
Despite his decision to leave active politics, Pradyot made it clear that he would remain closely connected with Tripura and continue to support the rights and dignity of indigenous communities.
He placed particular emphasis on the Tiprasa Accord, describing it as a cause larger than any individual, political party or political position.
Pradyot said the Accord should be implemented within the stipulated timeframe, as assured by the Union Home Minister and the Tripura Chief Minister. He warned that failure to fulfil those commitments would amount to a betrayal of the people’s trust.
He also appealed to all sections to remain united and determined to ensure that the commitments under the Accord are fulfilled.
From TIPRA Motha to a wider political movement
Reflecting on his political journey, Pradyot said he founded TIPRA Motha when several smaller groups were separately pursuing similar causes.
He said he believed their strength lay in unity and built the organisation around the idea of “One platform, One voice, One Thansa.”
According to Pradyot, TIPRA Motha developed not merely as a political party but as a movement aimed at uniting people and strengthening the Tiprasa voice.
He recalled that the movement initially had only a handful of leaders. At the time of his exit from active politics, he pointed to what he described as a significant political base, including 3,428 elected Village Council leaders, 24 MDCs and 13 MLAs.
Pradyot said the movement had faced criticism, ridicule and difficult periods but gradually gained recognition across Tripura and the Northeast.
Bru settlement and Tiprasa struggle
Pradyot also highlighted the implementation of the Bru settlement as one of the significant moments of his public life.
He said the process helped restore dignity, hope and a sense of belonging to thousands of people.
He placed the struggle for the Tiprasa Accord alongside the Bru settlement as another major effort to address historical injustices and secure a safer and more dignified future for indigenous people.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the political journey had involved personal sacrifices.
Health and family behind decision
Pradyot said years of travel, public responsibilities, negotiations and political struggles had affected his health, peace of mind and, at times, his family.
He described the negotiations surrounding the Tiprasa Accord as particularly difficult, saying they had tested him both physically and emotionally.
He also referred to disappointments and differences within the broader political struggle. However, he said he did not want to leave behind bitterness.
“The work must continue,” he said in his message.
Pradyot stressed that his decision to leave active politics did not mean abandoning Tripura. He said he would remain available whenever his experience, advice or assistance could help the people.
‘Tripura will always remain in my heart’
Pradyot said he had never sought political office simply for power or position. His stated objective, he said, was to contribute towards justice, dignity and a better future for the people.
He said he was now seeking a quieter chapter of life, closer to his family, nature and unfinished personal responsibilities.
“I do not know what the future holds,” Pradyot said, while making clear that Tripura would always remain close to his heart.
He ended his message with a call for a more just, united and confident Tripura. He expressed hope that future generations would live with dignity and that the aspirations behind the Tiprasa Accord would not be forgotten.
