Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on Tuesday accused the ruling BJP government in Tripura of deliberately delaying village committee (VC) elections, claiming the party would not secure a single seat if polls were held. Speaking at a public event, Pradyot highlighted that it has been nine years since the last VC elections, alleging that the delay reflects the ruling party’s fear of losing grassroots support.
Pradyot also criticised both the state and central governments over issues related to land rights and funding for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). He claimed, “TTAADC has no authority over land, and while the central government assured direct funding, it has not been released. State authorities condition funds on joining national parties like BJP, Congress, or CPI(M), leaving regional parties sidelined.”
Addressing broader land rights disparities across the Northeast, he noted that while indigenous communities in Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland enjoy autonomy over land, in Tripura the District Magistrate controls allocation, limiting tribal authority. Pradyot expressed dissatisfaction with the Tiprasa Accord, signed two years ago, stating that forest lands meant for tribals remain under administrative control instead of being handed to indigenous communities.
On education, Pradyot argued for English-medium schooling for tribal children, saying opportunities remain skewed toward BJP-affiliated families. He stressed the importance of tribal unity in safeguarding rights and warned against compromising the collective power of the Tiprasa community.
