Agartala, March 12: Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, supremo of the TIPRA Motha Party, on March 11 said the outcome of the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council could determine whether Tripura will have a tribal chief minister after the 2028 Assembly polls.
The schedule for the council elections has not yet been announced, while the current tenure of the tribal body is set to end on April 20. Addressing a party rally in Killa, Debbarma said the result of the council polls would play a significant role in deciding whether a tribal leader becomes the chief minister following the next Assembly elections.
He alleged that a “secret deal” exists between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Manik Saha, claiming that the chief minister is too weak to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities.
Debbarma also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken tribal institutions and alleged that funds meant for village committees have not been released. He further claimed that elections to these committees have not been conducted for several years, which he said has hindered development in tribal areas.
The TMP leader alleged that the BJP would deploy substantial resources in an attempt to secure victory in the council polls but urged voters not to be influenced by money power.
Calling for support for his party, Debbarma said the upcoming elections would be crucial for protecting the rights and future of the indigenous people of Tripura.
