No Point of Being in Govt, If Can’t Help People, It’s Crime to Enjoy Luxury While People Suffer: TIPRA Motha Founder Pradyot Debbarma

His remarks were directed at the political leadership that, in his view, has failed to address the basic needs and welfare of the public.

Reported by Pinaki Das | Copy Edited by Lipika Roy

Giving a powerful statement on governance and social responsibility, the founder of TIPRA Motha, Pradyot Debbarma today emphasised that there is no point in being in government if one cannot help the suffering of the people.

It may be mentioned here that the TIPRA Motha joined the BJP-led coalition government in Tripura in March 2024 after signing a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government to resolve issues related to the indigenous people of Tripura.

Following this, Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma were inducted into the Manik Saha Cabinet.

His remarks were directed at the political leadership that, in his view, has failed to address the basic needs and welfare of the public.

Taking to social media on the party’s foundation day today, Debbarma sent out a strong message and said, “There is no point of being in the government if we can not help our people. It’s a crime to enjoy a luxury life while people are suffering.”

He issued a veiled warning that if the Tiprasa Accord promised by the central government remains unfulfilled, TIPRA Motha may reconsider its alliance with the ruling BJP-led government in Tripura.

He stated that power and government positions hold no value if they fail to serve the indigenous people of Tripura.

“If we are not given our rights, if we are not given the promises made to us, if we are not given security for our identity, language, culture, land, and future, we should be ready to stay out of power,” he added.

While addressing the elected executive members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) where TIPRA Motha holds power Pradyot reminded them that they were in their positions only because of the people’s trust.

“Don’t forget why we joined politics. It was to help our people. Today, many enjoy security, official vehicles, and privileges but that is only because the people believed in us,” he said, cautioning against personal ambitions overshadowing the party’s core mission.

Recounting TIPRA Motha’s journey, he highlighted how the party, formed in 2021, became the first regional force in 25 years to secure 13 Assembly seats despite contesting alone in the 2023 elections. However, despite forming an alliance with BJP for an “honourable solution” to tribal issues, Pradyot expressed frustration over delays in fulfilling key demands.

Pradyot reminded the government of TIPRA Motha’s core demands-land rights similar to Bodoland, education rights like in Karbi Anglong, direct funding for TTAADC, and constitutional recognition for Tiprasa people.

“We have not asked for anything unconstitutional. Still, some people say that if Tiprasa is given something, others will be annoyed, and it will turn into another Manipur,” he said, rejecting the notion that tribal demands would lead to instability.

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