Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Deb Barma has launched a sharp critique of Tripura’s political culture, claiming that while many leaders today prioritize proximity to power over ideology, only the CPI(M) still retains traces of discipline and political principles. 

In a video message shared on social media Friday, Pradyot accused both the Congress and the BJP of lacking ideological consistency and discipline.

Pradyot alleged that politics in the state has increasingly revolved around negativity, resentment, and the pursuit of power, rather than values or public interest. He pointed out that leaders frequently switch allegiances depending on the national political climate, suggesting that if the Centre’s political situation changes, some BJP leaders may shift towards CPI(M), just as Congress leaders have done in the past.

He did not spare his own party, Tipra Motha, expressing disappointment over the influence of personal interests and power struggles among its leaders. He also raised concerns about corruption and irregularities within the TTAADC administration, admitting that despite his efforts, he could not bring about the desired changes.

Pradyot said Tripura’s youth are increasingly disheartened when they compare the state’s slow progress with cities like Guwahati, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. He warned that both ruling and opposition parties exploit this frustration for political gain instead of addressing core issues such as education, tribal rights, healthcare, roads, and electricity.

He urged political leaders across divides to sit together and work for Tripura’s interests, rather than using citizens merely as vote banks.

Pradyot announced that after the upcoming Village Committee elections, he would convene a Tipra Motha plenary session next month. With the Centre and the Chief Minister indicating that the process of implementing the Tripura Accord will begin soon, he suggested that his role in active politics may no longer be necessary.

“I will remain in Tripura, I will remain with the people. But when I am in the party, balancing between the organisation and the people sometimes causes me pain,” he said, adding that stepping away from formal positions would allow him to speak more freely against wrongdoing.

He reiterated that his entry into politics was not for personal gain but to address the plight of tribal communities, recalling his experiences in Bru areas, Dumboor, Madhabbari, and Agartala during his Congress days. “My power is not Tipra Motha. My power is being your Bubagra—someone you trust and love,” he declared.

Pradyot also touched on the controversy surrounding birthday greetings to political leaders. He said he was criticised by some opposition figures for wishing Prime Minister Modi on his birthday, only for the criticism to stop once Rahul Gandhi extended similar wishes. He recalled facing similar remarks when he wished Rahul Gandhi on his birthday.