Agartala, August 25: TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Tuesday ruled out any unconditional alliance with the BJP, saying the rights and demands of the indigenous Tiprasa people must come first in any future political arrangement.
Speaking to reporters after arriving at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Debbarma said he was unaware of any reported negotiations and that neither the BJP nor any other party had approached him.
“Officially, nothing has happened. Nobody has contacted me and nobody has spoken to me,” he said.
However, he made it clear that any alliance would depend on the implementation of commitments made to the Tiprasa people, particularly those arising from the March 2024 Tripartite Agreement involving the Centre, the Tripura government and TIPRA Motha.
“If a national party wants an alliance, they should give our people their rights,” Debbarma said, questioning how he could seek public support for an alliance without delivering on those commitments.
He warned that TIPRA Motha could contest the elections independently if no understanding was reached, saying the party had the organisational strength to fight on its own.
Debbarma also called for stronger constitutional safeguards for tribal land and the future of Tripura’s indigenous population. Referring to protections available to tribal communities in other northeastern states, he said Tripura’s indigenous people deserved similar safeguards.
At the same time, he stressed that the demand to protect tribal land was not directed against the Bengali community.
“We are not fighting the Bengalis in Tripura. We are fighting to protect our land,” he said, adding that non-tribal residents within ADC areas should continue to enjoy their legal rights and protection.
The TIPRA Motha chief also criticised the state’s political culture, alleging that partisan battles had overshadowed issues such as employment, development and Tripura’s economic future. He expressed concern over post-election violence, saying political clashes damage the state’s image.
On possible ties with Congress, Debbarma said he respected several Congress leaders but would not enter an alliance for personal or financial interests.
“I want the rights of my people, that is all. I do not want to fight with anybody. I respect everyone,” he said.
Asked who holds the initiative on the alliance question, Debbarma said the final decision would rest with the electorate.
“The last ball is always in the people’s court. The people will decide,” he said.
His remarks put the BJP-TIPRA Motha relationship on a clearly conditional footing, with implementation of the Tripartite Agreement and delivery of indigenous rights emerging as the key political tests ahead of the elections.
