Agartala, March 14: With political temperatures hotting ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Saturday said his party is prepared to contest the polls independently after Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha reiterated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would field candidates in all 28 seats.
Speaking to reporters after addressing a gathering at Khumulwng, the headquarters of the TTAADC, Debbarma said he had not challenged the BJP but was compelled to prepare for a direct contest following repeated statements by the Chief Minister.
“I have not challenged anyone. But today the Chief Minister clearly said the BJP will contest all 28 seats on its own. If that is the challenge—direct or indirect—then we will also fight the election as a political party,” Debbarma said.
The TIPRA Motha chief said he had earlier believed that the central leadership in New Delhi was inclined toward continuing the alliance between the two parties. However, he indicated that the state leadership’s position suggested otherwise.
“I thought the leadership in Delhi wanted an alliance and that message had been conveyed to me indirectly. But if the Chief Minister is not keen on it, then I have to fight and protect my party’s ground,” he said.
Debbarma added that if the BJP later reconsidered its stance on an alliance, the party leadership would have to explain the change to its cadre.
“If tomorrow they change their stand, they will have to explain to their party members why they first declared they would contest all 28 seats,” he remarked.
Responding to criticism from the opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), Debbarma said he did not believe the party deserved much attention, adding that the electorate would ultimately judge political parties based on their work and commitment.
Debbarma reiterated that the core agenda of TIPRA Motha remains the protection of the rights and identity of indigenous communities in Tripura.
He said the party continues to push for issues such as land rights, greater autonomy for tribal areas, direct funding to the council, and recognition of indigenous language and identity.
While acknowledging that several leaders within the BJP understood the concerns of indigenous communities, he alleged that “a few individuals” were creating unnecessary friction between alliance partners.
The TTAADC elections, expected to be held within the next six weeks, are seen as a crucial political contest in Tripura’s tribal belt. The outcome could significantly reshape political equations in the state and test the strength of regional and national parties in the autonomous council.
 elections, TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Saturday said his party is prepared to contest the polls independently after Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha reiterated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would field candidates in all 28 seats.){kind=link}