Political Circles Question Pradyot Kishore Debbarma’s Dual Stand: Attack on Present CM, Praise for Former CM Ahead of Possible Post-Poll Reunion

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 9, 2026

With the crucial TTAADC elections approaching, Tripura’s political landscape has turned increasingly heated, marked by sharp exchanges between TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and Chief Minister Manik Saha. The ongoing campaign has not only intensified electoral rivalry but also triggered debates over political consistency and strategy.

In a high-profile campaign move, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Wednesday travelled by helicopter to address a massive rally at Manik Bazar. His arrival, marked by a confident gesture to supporters at the helipad, was seen as a show of strength by TIPRA Motha. However, the use of a helicopter quickly snowballed into a political controversy.

Chief Minister Manik Saha raised questions over the funding behind such an expensive campaign method, noting that despite holding the top office, he himself has not used helicopters for campaigning in ADC areas. He hinted at having knowledge of the funding sources and emphasized concerns regarding transparency.

Debbarma, in response, intensified his attacks. Speaking at a rally in Champahour, he described the Chief Minister as misguided and went further to allege that Saha is anti-tribal. He also questioned the Chief Minister’s political approach, claiming that while Saha refrains from criticising the Communist Party, he repeatedly targets TIPRA Motha.

What has drawn particular attention in political circles is Debbarma’s seemingly contradictory stance. Even while launching strong attacks on the state leadership, he simultaneously praised several BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, and ministers Ratan Lal Nath, Sushanta Chowdhury, and Pranajit Singha Roy. This dual messaging has sparked speculation about a possible post-poll political recalibration.

On the ground, the Chief Minister hit back strongly, accusing TIPRA Motha of failing to deliver development in the ADC areas despite being given a mandate. He alleged lack of infrastructure development, absence of pension benefits, and widespread corruption over the past two years.

Saha actively campaigned across multiple constituencies, including Bodhjungnagar-Wakinagar, Simna-Tamakari, Jirania, and Mandainagar-Pulinpur, and also participated in a joining programme at Takarjala-Jampuijala. He led roadshows at Simna supporting BJP candidates, sharpening the party’s outreach ahead of the polls.

Meanwhile, Debbarma made a bold claim that Manik Saha would not remain Chief Minister after the ADC elections. Yet, notably, the leaders he praised have largely remained silent, refraining from issuing any strong public rebuttal.

As the campaign gains momentum, the TTAADC election is evolving into more than just a battle for votes. It has become a contest shaped by identity politics, governance questions, and strategic positioning, leaving political observers questioning whether the current rhetoric signals deeper post-election realignments in Tripura’s tribal politics.

more news...