Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has stepped up pressure for implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, saying the rights of indigenous population of Tripura must remain at the centre of political discussions. He also indicated that his next political decision could depend on how the Centre responds to the accord.
Key Takeaways
- Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma demanded implementation of the Tiprasa Accord.
- He said political posts and financial packages cannot replace constitutional rights.
- He warned that he may take a separate political course if the accord remains unimplemented.
Agartala August 17: Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has raised fresh concerns over the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord. He said the agreement must deliver constitutional rights to the indigenous people of Tripura.
Debbarma made the remarks while explaining the purpose of an extended meeting with his party leadership. The TMP Chief said he had remained away from Tripura while undergoing personal treatment.
He added that several developments had taken place during his absence. Pradyot Kishore said the party needed to discuss those developments and clarify its position.
Pradyot Kishore Seeks Clarity From Party
Debbarma said he called for the extended meeting to communicate his concerns directly to the party.
According to him, internal discussions must reach party workers and people at the grassroots level.
“If I do not communicate this clearly to my party, this will not be communicated to the people on the ground,” he said.
He indicated that the meeting would help determine the party’s future course.
“Let’s see after that what happens,” Debbarma said.
Tiprasa Accord Remains Central Demand
Debbarma said the Tiprasa Accord remained his main concern when asked about his meeting with the BJP central leadership.
He said he respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. However, he stressed that respect for the central leadership did not mean giving up the demand for implementing the accord.
“I have a lot of respect for the Prime Minister of India and the Home Minister of India,” he said.
“If the government does not implement the Tiprasa Accord, I think we will have to decide our next course of action,” he added.
Debbarma also highlighted the time that has elapsed since the agreement was reached.
He said around two-and-a-half years had already elapsed.
‘People Who Brought Us Here Must Not Be Ignored’
Debbarma said elected representatives and party leaders should not receive benefits while the wider Tiprasa population waits for its demands to be addressed.
He said his political responsibility extends beyond party leaders, MLAs and MDCs.
“If I ask for something for my MDCs, MLAs and some leaders, but do not ask for my people who brought us into this position, then I have no right to call myself their representative,” he said.
His remarks put the implementation of the accord ahead of individual political gains.
TTAADC Election Also Comes Into Focus
Debbarma also referred to developments surrounding the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council election.
He questioned attempts to weaken his party and cited alleged efforts to draw MLAs and MDCs away.
“We all know what happened in the TTADC election,” he said.
He also questioned who attempted to break his party and who tried to influence its elected representatives.
Debbarma claimed that attempts were made to bring MDCs into another political camp. He said two or three MDCs eventually left.
Despite the political setbacks, he said he was prepared to move beyond the past.
‘Constitutional Rights Cannot Be Replaced’
Debbarma said he was willing to forget the political and personal attacks he faced if the government ensured constitutional rights for the Tiprasa people.
He rejected the idea that political appointments and financial assistance could substitute for those rights.
He argued that appointing a limited number of people to important positions would not address the concerns of the wider population.
“You can make 14 people BAC chairmen, give two or three people good ministerial posts and provide a one-time financial package,” he said.
“But you will only make 10 to 15 people happy. The 14 lakh people will remain where they were,” he added.
Warning of Separate Political Course
Debbarma made it clear that he did not view the issue as a demand for personal benefits.
He said the focus should remain on the rights of the Tiprasa community.
“I did not come for money,” he said.
He added that the government should give the benefits and rights to the people instead.
“Give them their rights. Otherwise, I will take my own separate course,” Debbarma said.
His statement has added a new dimension to the political debate surrounding the Tiprasa Accord in Tripura.
For Tipra Motha Party, the next phase could depend on how the government responds to the demand for constitutional safeguards and rights for the states indigenous population.
