Reported by: Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on Wednesday ruled out a return to politics, saying he wanted to focus on the development of Tripura and continue performing his traditional duties as the state’s royal head.
Debbarma made the remarks while interacting with media persons at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport here shortly after arriving in the state.
He also called for strict action against the individual content creator and influencer who made derogatory remarks about Tripura and its people, saying such comments hurt the sentiments of people across the state.
“I am not in politics and I do not intend to be in politics. I want to continue being with my people in the state, but I have already made up my mind that I will not return to politics,” he said.
Debbarma, who recently announced his retirement from politics, said he did not feel sufficiently valued in the political sphere.
“I think people like me should not be in politics because I do not think I am valued as much,” he said.
On the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, Debbarma extended his greetings to the people and expressed hope for peace, prosperity and development in Tripura. He said he would continue carrying out his traditional responsibilities during this period of the year.
“I wish everyone peace and prosperity in Tripura, and I hope there is development across the state,” he said.
Referring to a recent controversy over derogatory remarks about Tripura and its people by a social media creator identified as Amir Shokeen, Debbarma said the individual concerned had apologised. However, he argued that describing such remarks as jokes did not lessen their impact.
“I have already put this up, and I think that gentleman has also apologised. But when people make fun of Tripura and call our people ‘Chinki’ and ‘Chinese’, they later say it was a joke made to go viral. It may be a joke to them, but it hurts us,” he said.
Debbarma said the remarks were objectionable not only to the tribal community but also to people across Tripura. He questioned the language used in reference to the state, which he described as ancient, and said the comments had caused offence beyond any single community.
He also called for strict action against those responsible, arguing that the state should respond firmly to such incidents.
“If this happened in Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma would send his police to apprehend them and bring them to Assam. I think we should also take similar action in Tripura because these people make fun of our small state, thinking we will not respond,” he said.