Be vocal for local in politics, says Pradyot

 Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarman on Tuesday urged the people of the North East to stop depending on national parties and central leaders, calling instead for regional unity and self-reliance to address local issues.

Speaking through a social media livestream, a day after announcing the formation of One North East, Pradyot said the region had for decades been made to feel inferior and dependent on Delhi for every solution. “Somewhere, we have accepted that we are servants. The older generation has internalised the idea that we are inferior. Every national party divides us, and we keep falling for it,” he said.

He questioned why vital issues such as the Inner Line Permit system or the inclusion of the North East’s history and culture in national curricula were never taken up seriously. “Our leaders constantly look to Delhi for answers. Illegal immigration is a serious issue, yet instead of uniting, we fight among ourselves while outsiders laugh at our disunity,” he said.

Appealing for harmony between the tribal and Bengali communities of Tripura, Pradyot said mutual mistrust had only weakened the state. “Tribals call Bengalis Bangladeshis, and Bengalis call tribals Mongolians. This must stop. Unless we unite, we will remain backward,” he said.

The Tipra Motha chief argued that the political model in the region had failed and that a new kind of politics was needed. “The health of our democracy depends on fresh thinking. Our children deserve a new model of politics — not one built on division and dependency,” he said.

Pradyot revealed that leaders from several northeastern states had already reached out to join the new regional front. “In the next 45 days, our committee will hold consultations to shape our ideology and roadmap. This will be a democratic process — a fight for our survival,” he said, asserting that the movement would serve the people, not personal ambitions.

Taking aim at national parties, Pradyot said he had left a national party after realising that none cared for the region’s concerns. “It’s been 76 years since Tripura and Manipur merged with India. We have voted loyally for 75 years. Yet, why do states like Chhattisgarh or Punjab matter more than us?” he asked.

“No leader from Delhi will solve the North East’s problems,” Pradyot said, adding, “The change must begin here — from within us.”