Agartala, 19th September 2026 : Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has indicated that he may give up his formal position in the party, saying that remaining outside a political post would enable him to speak more freely on issues affecting the people of Tripura.
In a video message shared on social media on Friday, Debbarma said he often finds it difficult to maintain a balance between party interests and the concerns of the people while holding an organisational position. He said his decision, if implemented, would not mark an end to his public engagement but rather a change in the way he works.
“I will stay in Tripura and stand by the people,” he said, adding that a party position can sometimes prevent a politician from openly questioning the mistakes of fellow leaders.
Taking a broader view of Tripura politics, Debbarma criticised what he described as a growing tendency among leaders to attach greater importance to proximity to power than to ideology and political principles. He said the CPI(M) was comparatively different, claiming that elements of ideology, discipline and political principles could still be seen among its leaders.
He also questioned the practice of politicians changing parties and political positions according to shifts in the balance of power. According to him, changes at the Centre could potentially lead some leaders currently associated with one political formation to move towards another.
Debbarma was equally critical of developments within Tipra Motha. Referring to allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities in the TTAADC, he expressed disappointment that his attempts to bring about changes had not produced the results he had expected. He acknowledged that such developments had also affected his image as the party’s principal face.
He said Tripura’s younger generation is increasingly frustrated when it compares the state’s development with that of cities such as Guwahati, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi. According to Debbarma, political parties on both sides of the divide often exploit this frustration for political purposes rather than jointly addressing the underlying problems.
He called for the government and opposition to work together on issues including education, tribal rights, healthcare, roads and electricity.
Debbarma also referred to the criticism he faced for wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. He said extending birthday greetings was simply a matter of courtesy and should not be viewed through a political lens. He claimed that criticism over the gesture subsided after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also wished Modi. He said he similarly faced comments when he extended birthday greetings to Gandhi.
On his future course, Debbarma said he would convene a plenary session of Tipra Motha next month after the Village Committee elections. He also referred to statements regarding the proposed implementation of the Tripura Accord from next month.
Explaining his decision, Debbarma said he had not entered politics to acquire wealth or power. He recalled being moved by the condition of tribal people in areas including Bru settlements, Dumbur and Madhabbari, as well as different parts of Agartala, during his earlier association with the Congress.
“Tipra Motha is not the source of my power,” he said, asserting that his identity among the people was that of their ‘Bubagra’.
Debbarma maintained that relinquishing a party position would not mean abandoning the people. Rather, he said, the mechanism through which he works may change, while his stated objective of protecting the interests of the people of Tripura would remain unchanged.
