Pradyot Kishore to cadres: Focus on community, those looking for money and posts will be axed

Pradyot urged his party leaders to think for the community first. If they become ministers, he warned, they will become weak, “just like how the IPFT joined the government in 2018 without signing any kind of agreement with the Government of India”.

“You first think for the community and later think of yourself. Earlier, when I was in the Congress, I said ‘poila jati, ulo party’ (first the community, later the party). Today I am saying that I don’t love TIPRA Motha more than my Tiprasa people,” he said. “We will restructure the party from sub-zonal level. We will bring in new leaders. We will say goodbye to those who want money and posts.”

Madhabbari is where three people were shot by police during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in January 2019.

Pradyot said there were attempts and conspiracies to damage the unity of the Tiprasa people. “We will get Greater Tipraland one day. For the Tiprasas—whether they are in the BJP, CPM or TIPRA Motha—Greater Tipraland is in their mind and that is why we will get it someday. This Greater Tipraland will not be against any community or religion. We will talk about our rights. No one’s rights will be snatched,” he said.

Pradyot urged the rank and file to restart their movement for Greater Tipraland. He said the central government would take the demand seriously only if pressured. “We can pressure the central government through the movement. When there is movement, the government will be under pressure,” he added.

In reference to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council’s budget, he said, “You all are executive members. But what will you do when your department has no money? If you have courage, then submit your resignation to the governor.”

Floated in 2021, Motha swept the council polls just two months after its formation. It also became a dark horse in this year’s Assembly polls, when it emerged as the main Opposition with 13 MLAs.