Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has announced that he will step away from active politics next month, citing health concerns, family commitments and a desire to focus on his personal life.
Debbarma said the decision followed years of political work and reflection and was not taken out of anger. He said extensive travel, negotiations, public responsibilities and political struggles had affected his health and family life.
“I will not remain in active politics after next month because of health issues,” Debbarma said, while making it clear that he would continue to speak for the Tiprasa community whenever he believed their rights were being denied.
The rights and constitutional protection of Tripura’s indigenous communities have remained at the centre of his political journey. He founded Tipra Motha to bring together groups pursuing similar demands under the principle of “One platform, One voice, One Thansa”.
The Tiprasa Accord, signed in 2024 between the Centre, the Tripura government and Tipra Motha, has been a key issue for Debbarma. He has repeatedly demanded its implementation and urged the government to honour its commitments to the state’s indigenous population.
Reflecting on the growth of the movement, Debbarma said it had developed a significant political presence across Tripura, citing 3,428 elected Village Council leaders, 24 MDCs and 13 MLAs.
However, he acknowledged that prolonged negotiations over the accord had also taken a physical and emotional toll. He said disagreements, disappointments and competing interests had at times weakened the collective position, but stressed that the movement must remain focused on its broader objective.
“The Tiprasa Accord remains bigger than any individual, party or political position. It belongs to our people and to the generations yet to come,” he said.
Debbarma urged all stakeholders to maintain unity and ensure that the commitments under the accord were implemented within the stipulated timeframe, as assured by the Union Home Minister and the Tripura Chief Minister.
He also maintained that his political journey had never been driven by a pursuit of power or office.
“I have never sought a political chair for the sake of power or position,” he said, adding that his objective had always been to work for justice, dignity and a better future for the people of Tripura.
Although he plans to leave active politics, Debbarma said he would remain connected with the people of the state and continue to support their cause.
“I will no longer be a political office-holder, but I will always remain connected to our people and committed to their dignity, rights and future,” he said.
Debbarma thanked the people of Tripura for their support and acknowledged the mistakes and disappointments of his political journey.
“I leave active politics not with anger, but with gratitude,” he said.
He said his next phase would allow him to spend more time with his family, look after his health and pursue personal interests that had been put aside during his years in public life.
“Wherever life takes me, Tripura will always remain in my heart,” Debbarma said.
