Reported by Mrinal Kanti Banik

Agartala: Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarman has announced that he will step away from active politics after next month, saying he believes it is the appropriate time to leave while his political standing remains strong.

The announcement came days after his party’s victory in the recently concluded Village Committee elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

In a Facebook Live address, Debbarman said the election victory belonged to the people rather than any political party. The Village Committee polls were held in Tripura after a 10-year gap, following intervention by the Supreme Court.

He expressed hope that the newly elected Village Committee chairpersons would work honestly for the development of their respective villages and remain closely connected with residents.

Recalling his political journey, Debbarman said he entered public life after witnessing members of the Tiprasa community struggle for their rights. He said his political career, which began in 2017, helped bring different tribal communities together under a common identity.

“I think that now I should not remain in politics,” Debbarman said, referring to advice from his father, Maharaja Kirit Bikram, that one should step aside while at the top.

He said his political career had affected both his personal life and health, although he remained committed to working for the interests of the people.

Speaking about his health, including arthritis and gout, Debbarman said there had been times when he was unable to walk and that he had also faced significant mental pressure.

Addressing Tipra Motha workers, he urged them to remain honest, stay connected with the people and focus on development work in villages rather than seeking political positions. He said the party’s younger leaders and the next generation would now have to take on greater responsibilities.

Debbarman also called on the Centre and the Tripura government to begin implementing the commitments made under the Tiprasa Accord without further delay.

Referring to earlier assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha that the implementation process would begin within a month of the ADC elections, he said, “Time starts now.”

According to Debbarman, implementation of the accord should address the constitutional, land, language, education, political and financial rights of Tiprasa people living in the ADC areas.

He cautioned Tipra Motha leaders against compromising the interests of the community for political posts or positions and said he would continue to raise public issues even after leaving active politics.

“Even if I don’t remain active in politics, I shall certainly be the royal head and continue to discharge my duties in that capacity,” he said.

Debbarman also appealed for peace and harmony between Bengali and tribal communities in Tripura, stressing that the state should not be allowed to descend into a communal atmosphere.

He said a public meeting would be held next month with Village Committee chairpersons and Tipra Motha workers, where he would formally announce his farewell from active politics.

Debbarman said he would continue to speak for the people of Tripura regardless of their community or religion, including Bengalis and tribals, and Hindus, Muslims and Christians.