Pradyot Manikya throws open challenge to BJP, vows Tipra Motha will win all 28 district council seats

The founder of Tipra Motha Party, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, on Saturday, March 14 threw a challenge to the ruling BJP, asserting that he and his “warriors” will defeat the party in every seat of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.

Pradyot made the remarks while addressing a mass gathering at Motor Stand in Khumulwng, the headquarters of the TTAADC.

He said political discourse in the state has increasingly focused on divisions such as Hindu and Christian identities, while key issues affecting the Tiprasa community remain unaddressed.

“They speak about Hindu and Christian, but nobody is speaking about the poor, the future of Tiprasa, or the future generation. Everyone talks about CPI(M), BJP or Tipra Motha, but nobody is talking about education, roads, water or land rights. Nobody is raising the issue of the future of Tiprasa,” he said.

Emphasising the concept of Thansa (unity), Pradyot said it is not a political slogan but a call for solidarity among the indigenous people.

“I spoke about Thansa not for politics but for our people. Today the real challenge is how to remove poverty and secure a better future for the next generation, but not a single political party is talking about it. If we don’t maintain Thansa, everything will be occupied, as we have seen in Bisramganj under Sepahijala district,” he said.

Questioning the politicisation of the autonomous council, he added, “Is the ADC meant for Tipra Motha, or for BJP, CPI(M) or Congress? Today Tiprasa are being divided on the basis of religion and political affiliations. Whenever there is division, it only weakens us.”

The royal scion also referred to the BJP’s announcement that it will contest 28 seats in the district council elections, stating that Tipra Motha will challenge the ruling party across all constituencies.

“BJP has said they will contest 28 seats in the district council. But there will be a problem for them  the warriors of Tipra Motha will contest all 28 seats and defeat you,” he said.

Pradyot further claimed that it was not his party that broke the alliance with the BJP.

“I did not break the alliance, they did. The Chief Minister himself said that BJP will contest. For the past two years I have been fighting for the Tiprasa Accord without any compromise. Now there is a conspiracy to silence me so that Tiprasa cannot fight alone,” he alleged.

He also warned that voters should remain cautious of political inducements during elections.

“BJP may try to lure you with money and other promises, but they will not talk about the future of your next generation. They only want to do politics,” he said.

Pradyot said his struggle has always been focused on the upliftment of poor people.

“For the past six years I have tolerated bullying and insults, but I have never done anything for personal gain. Now the people will decide where they stand. I will show them what we are and what we can do. We are not afraid,” he said.

“From Khumulwng I am saying this  we are ready to defeat the BJP. The challenge is accepted,” he added.