Agartala, September 19 : Former Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has questioned the political conduct of major parties in Tripura, claiming that ideological commitment and discipline are still visible in the CPI(M), but largely absent in the Congress and BJP.
In a video message posted on social media, Debbarma said many politicians were increasingly prioritising proximity to power over ideology and political principles.
He also questioned the political loyalty of leaders who change sides with shifts in the political landscape. He claimed that some leaders currently with the BJP could move towards the CPI(M) if the political situation at the Centre changed. He made similar observations about Congress leaders.
‘Politics Becoming a Race for Power’
Debbarma said a section of Tripura’s politics continued to revolve around negativity, resentment and the pursuit of power. He argued that political parties should instead focus on issues directly affecting people’s lives.
He also criticised his own party, Tipra Motha, saying he was disappointed by what he described as the influence of personal interests and the pursuit of power among some party leaders.
Referring to the TTAADC, he raised allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities and said his attempts to bring about change had not produced the desired results.
‘Young People Losing Hope’
Debbarma said Tripura’s younger generation was watching cities such as Guwahati, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi move ahead while becoming increasingly frustrated over the state’s development.
He said both the ruling side and the Opposition were using public frustration for political purposes. Education, tribal rights, healthcare, roads and electricity, he said, should instead be treated as issues requiring collective attention.
‘Birthday Wishes Are Basic Courtesy’
Referring to the criticism he faced after wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, Debbarma said political differences should not prevent basic courtesy.
He claimed that some Opposition leaders had criticised him for greeting Modi, but their criticism stopped after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi subsequently wished the Prime Minister.
Debbarma said he had also faced criticism when he wished Rahul Gandhi on his birthday.
May Step Away From Active Politics
On his political future, Debbarma said Tipra Motha would hold its plenary session next month after the Village Committee elections.
He said the announcement that the process of implementing the Tripura Accord would begin from next month had also prompted him to reconsider his role in active politics.
“I will remain in Tripura and remain with the people,” he said.
Debbarma said holding a party position sometimes made it difficult to openly criticise wrongdoing within the organisation. Leaving a formal post, he said, would allow him to speak more freely and remain directly connected with the people.
‘I Did Not Enter Politics for Money’
Debbarma maintained that Tipra Motha was not established for personal financial gain. He said his entry into politics was driven by what he witnessed among indigenous communities in areas including Bru settlements, Dumbur, Madhabbari and different parts of Agartala during his time in the Congress.
“My power is not Tipra Motha. My power is being your Bubagra, someone you trust and love,” he said.
Debbarma made it clear that stepping away from a political post would not mean withdrawing from public life. His method of working might change, he said, but his stated commitment to protecting the interests of the people of Tripura would remain unchanged.
