3 months after joining hands with BJP-led govt, TIPRA Motha sounds tough, says ‘no problem to be in Oppn if rights aren’t given’

Debbarma also said that if the TIPRA Motha MLAs and leaders stay strong and united, the party would negotiate even harder for rights of tribals.

While not naming anyone, Debbarma hinted at saboteurs in the ongoing process of negotiating rights for tribals with the central government and said, “….The mood of Tiprasa is that there are some elements that are purposefully trying to deny our people’s rights, as assured by GoI”.

In what is considered a tacit warning, Debbarma said, “I have been in opposition for decades and it did not make any difference to me. We should have no problem doing the same if our people don’t get their rights. You can lose power or ministership but never lose trust of your Dopha (community).”

Motha had earlier joined hands with the BJP-led state and central governments and had signed the tripartite Tiprasa accord to “amicably resolve” all issues of the indigenous people of Tripura relating to history, land rights, political rights, economic development, identity, culture, language etc.

The Tiprasa accord, often termed “historic” by both the BJP and TIPRA Motha, is considered crucial for the state’s politics since these two parties, which were earlier rivals and had even fought the 2023 state general assembly elections against each other, came together after the accord was signed in March this year.

Motha is also a member of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).