Agartala, March 12, 2026: TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on Wednesday asserted that the results of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections will play a decisive role in determining whether the state sees a tribal chief minister after the 2028 Assembly polls.

The schedule for the council elections is yet to be announced, though the current tenure of the TTAADC ends on April 20. Addressing a rally in Killa, Gomati district, Debbarma said the outcome of the polls would shape the political future of indigenous communities in Tripura.

He alleged a “secret understanding” between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Manik Saha, claiming the latter lacked the strength to safeguard tribal rights. Debbarma further accused the BJP of undermining tribal institutions, withholding funds meant for village committees, and delaying their elections for several years, which he said has stalled development in tribal areas.

The TMP leader warned that the BJP would deploy significant resources to secure victory in the council polls but urged voters not to succumb to money power. “This election is crucial for protecting the rights and future of Tripura’s indigenous population,” he told supporters, calling for unity behind his party.