Agartala: Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has indicated that he could withdraw from active politics after the upcoming Village Committee elections, while making it clear that he intends to remain in Tripura and continue working for the people.

In a video message shared on social media on Friday, September 19, Debbarma said he would convene a plenary session of the Tipra Motha next month after the Village Committee elections. He also referred to the proposed steps towards implementing the Tripura Accord and suggested that he may no longer need to remain in an active political role.

Debbarma said he wanted to stay in Tripura and remain connected with the people, but felt that holding a formal position within a political party sometimes limited his ability to speak openly.

According to him, remaining in a party post can make it difficult for a leader to publicly criticise wrongdoing by another member of the organisation. He said stepping away from formal political responsibilities would allow him to speak more freely while continuing to raise issues concerning the people.

“I will stay in Tripura and remain behind the people,” Debbarma said, adding that his method of working could change but his commitment to protecting the interests of Tripura’s people would remain unchanged.

Debbarma also said he had never entered politics with the intention of making money. Recalling his time in the Congress, he said his decision to enter politics was influenced by what he witnessed in indigenous-populated areas, including Bru-inhabited regions, Dumbur, Madhabbari and parts of Agartala.

“My power is not Tipra Motha. My power is being your Bubagra, someone whom you trust and love,” he said.

During the address, Debbarma also criticised what he described as a growing emphasis on political power and proximity to those in authority rather than ideology and principles. He alleged that political loyalties and positions often change depending on shifts in the balance of power.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with certain developments within his own party, citing what he described as personal interests and power struggles. Debbarma raised allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and said efforts to bring about changes had not yielded the results he had expected.

He called on political parties in Tripura to cooperate on issues such as education, indigenous rights, healthcare, roads and electricity rather than using public concerns for political purposes.

Debbarma also spoke about political differences and said such differences should not prevent leaders from maintaining basic personal courtesies. He referred to criticism he received after wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday.

His remarks come ahead of the Village Committee elections and renewed discussions over the implementation of the Tripura Accord. The elections are scheduled for September 28, 2026, covering 587 Village Committees and 4,597 seats.

Debbarma did not announce a specific date for relinquishing his political position. Instead, he indicated that the issue would be taken up after the elections and the proposed Tipra Motha plenary session.