Pradyot Kishore Debbarma Again Announces Exit From Active Politics, Says He Will Continue Working for Tripura’s Indigenous People
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 18, 2026
Tipra Motha founder and former royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has once again announced his decision to step away from active politics, saying that he will continue to remain in Tripura and work for the development and advancement of the state’s indigenous Tiprasa people, but through a different approach and outside conventional politics.
In an approximately 30-minute Facebook Live on Thursday evening, coinciding with Vishwakarma Puja, Debbarma spoke at length about his dissatisfaction with contemporary politics, the conduct of political leaders and what he described as growing self-interest and the absence of principles among politicians.
Debbarma said that, in his view, many political leaders today are primarily interested in remaining close to political power rather than following a clear ideology or set of principles. However, he made a distinction regarding the CPI(M), saying that at least some degree of ideology, discipline and political principles could still be seen among leaders of that party.
He also made pointed remarks about leaders belonging to different political parties, arguing that political loyalties often change depending on where power lies. He suggested that many leaders currently associated with the BJP could potentially move towards the CPI(M) if the political situation at the Centre changed, while making a similar observation about leaders associated with the Congress.
Debbarma did not spare his own organisation either. Referring repeatedly to Tipra Motha leaders, he expressed disappointment over what he described as the influence of personal interests and the pursuit of power within the party he himself founded. He also referred to allegations and concerns surrounding corruption in the TTAADC administration and said that, despite his efforts, he had not been able to bring an end to alleged administrative irregularities and corruption.
The Tipra Motha founder said such developments had also affected his own public image because he is regarded as the face of the organisation. His remarks indicated that he increasingly sees a separation from conventional political activity as necessary if he is to pursue his larger objective for the indigenous population.
Debbarma said he now wants to work in a different way for the next generation of Tripura's indigenous youth. His focus, he indicated, would be on creating opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, business and employment, particularly for the younger generation and what he described as the emerging Gen-Z population.
He suggested that his future activities would therefore not necessarily revolve around elections, political offices or party organisation. Instead, he wants to explore an alternative mechanism through which young Tiprasa men and women can obtain better educational opportunities, develop businesses and secure skilled employment.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of repeated statements by Debbarma over the past several days indicating frustration with active politics. He had previously announced intentions to leave politics after the 2023 Assembly elections, while in September 2026 he again publicly spoke about being tired of politics and considering a withdrawal from active political life.
His latest announcement, however, appears to carry a somewhat different emphasis. Rather than suggesting that he would leave Tripura or withdraw completely from public life, Debbarma made it clear that he intends to remain in the state and continue working for the indigenous population, although outside the existing political structure.
Tiprasa Accord remains central to his position
Debbarma also reiterated his faith in the commitments made by the BJP leadership and the Centre regarding implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, signed in March 2024 between the Centre, the Tripura government and Tipra Motha. The agreement concerns the broader development and interests of the state's indigenous population.
He expressed his belief that Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, the BJP's central leadership and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would fulfil the commitments made regarding the implementation of the accord.
At the same time, Debbarma indicated that if those commitments are not fulfilled, he would pursue his own course by attempting to build public opinion and pressure outside the conventional political framework.
The Tiprasa Accord has remained a major point of contention between Tipra Motha and the BJP. In recent months, Debbarma has repeatedly insisted that implementation of the accord must precede or accompany political cooperation. In August, he had publicly linked electoral cooperation with progress on the accord.
More recently, reports following his discussions with central BJP leaders indicated that implementation of the accord remained at the centre of his political concerns.
What happens to Tipra Motha after the announcement?
The latest declaration raises questions about the future political role of Tipra Motha and its leadership following the forthcoming Village Committee elections under the TTAADC.
Although Debbarma has announced his withdrawal from active politics, his remarks suggest that he does not intend to withdraw from the broader struggle for indigenous rights. Instead, he appears to be considering a transition from party-centred politics to community-centred social and economic initiatives.
His criticism of political leaders, including members of his own organisation, also signals deep dissatisfaction with the way political power and administration are functioning in Tripura.
For the moment, the key question is whether Debbarma's announcement represents a permanent departure from electoral politics or another temporary withdrawal from active political leadership.
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