Pradyot Kishore seeks land, linguistic, cultural rights for tribals: ‘There is no use being in government if people aren’t helped’

While addressing the elected executive members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), where his party is in power, Pradyot emphasised that his motivation for entering politics was to help people. He reminded them that the luxuries they enjoy today—such as cars and personal security—are a result of the votes they received from the people.

“Do not forget: we came to power and joined politics to help our people. Whatever position we hold today, whatever we have—a car, security—is because the people voted for us. It’s because they believed in me and in all of us. Do not forget that,” Pradyot remarked, hinting that some party leaders might be more interested in their personal gains.

Reflecting on the journey of the TIPRA Motha, Pradyot noted that the party was formed in 2021 to advocate for the Tiprasa people with the slogan ‘Puila Jati, Ulo Party’ (community first, party leader). He acknowledged the challenges faced over the past five years, stating that while they gained power in the ADC, they have yet to obtain real power at the state level. He mentioned that his party is one of the first regional parties to win 13 seats by contesting independently over the last 25 years.

Referring to the tripartite Tiprasa Accord signed in 2023 between the Government of India, the Tripura state government, and the Tipra Motha party, Pradyot reiterated his party’s demands for land rights, educational rights, and direct funding to the TTAADC.

“We demand land rights similar to those in Bodoland. We have also requested educational rights akin to those in Karbi Anglong and Meghalaya. We ask for direct funding, which has been promised to all councils. So, is what we are demanding against the interests of the country? We have not asked for anything that contradicts national interest. Still, I’ve observed that people seem more concerned with self-interest rather than party interests,” he said.

In a pointed warning, the TIPRA Motha founder remarked that such self-interest could not last indefinitely. “We have not demanded anything illegal. Yet, people claim that if the Tiprasa are granted something, it would provoke unrest… it would lead to a situation like Manipur,” he cautioned.

Pradyot Kishore not happy with Tripura’s tableau at Republic Day parade

He expressed his dissatisfaction with how Tripura’s tableau was portrayed at the 76th Republic Day parade in New Delhi, noting that while he appreciated the representation of their culture, it was inaccurately depicted. “If you want to showcase our culture, do it clearly: highlight Tiprasa culture distinctly, along with other cultures as well. There’s no issue in showing both, but it must be done correctly,” he stated.

In a display of frustration regarding the long-overdue ADC village council elections, which have been pending since 2021, Pradyot urged the government to address this issue and questioned how long the tribals would have to wait for their demands to be met, especially since it has been nearly a year since the signing of the Tiprasa Accord.

The polls for the 587 village committees in the TTAADC were initially scheduled for March 7, 2021, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In July 2022, the High Court of Tripura called for the State Election Commission to set election dates as soon as possible and to complete the process by the first week of November of that same year. However, with the deadline having passed without elections being held, TIPRA Motha approached the High Court of Tripura again in April 2023.

“I appeal to the government on the foundation day of TIPRA Motha: we have been waiting for a long time, and we cannot wait much longer. Please decide if you truly want to help us,” he said.

Citing the recent violence in neighbouring Bangladesh, he pointed out that attacks are occurring daily there and that there is a campaign against India. In Tripura, he emphasised that the rights of the indigenous people are not being upheld. In a somewhat cryptic statement, he asked, “What are we doing? We are not ensuring the rights of our Indigenous Tiprasa in the state. If we fail from this point on, Pakistan and Bangladesh will grow closer. If militancy breaks out tomorrow, who will be responsible? When we advocate for peace, time is required, but when some resort to bombs or gunfire, the government reacts instantly. What message is being sent? That those who speak peacefully will achieve nothing?”

Stating that he will not betray his community, Pradyot Kishore addressed his party, saying, “I will not betray my community. I will fight. If someone chooses to join me, that’s great; if not, I will fight alone. I am not afraid. I have been silent and will continue to be so. I believe in the promises made by the Government of India, and we will strive to fulfil them.”

He also urged his party members to raise questions about poor work and corruption. Regarding Tiprasa youths, he expressed his desire for them to become leaders and prepare for UPSC or judiciary exams. He proposed that the TTAADC award Rs 3 lakh as prize money to those who pass the UPSC and Rs 2 lakh to those who succeed in judiciary or civil service exams.

Additionally, he criticised the former Left Front government for failing to provide proper education and for keeping the indigenous people of the Northeast at a disadvantage, contributing to their status as labourers. “I want my younger generation to become leaders. I don’t want my Tiprasa working in REGA; I want 50 people to work under them,” he said.

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