TIPRA Motha founder asks political parties and individuals to remove his images from campaign materials, reiterates decision to stay away from active politics

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 14, 2026

With campaigning for the upcoming civic elections in Tripura gaining momentum, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has objected to the use of his photographs and name in election-related publicity materials, warning that legal action would be initiated against those who continue to use them without his consent.

In a strong message directed at political parties and individuals, Mr. Debbarma asked them to immediately remove his photographs from posters and other campaign materials. He made it clear that he did not want his name or image to be used to promote any candidate or political organisation in the ongoing municipal election campaign.

The intervention has added a new dimension to the political contest ahead of the civic polls, particularly as Mr. Debbarma's political identity and influence remain closely associated with the rise of TIPRA Motha and the party's support base among Tripura's indigenous communities.

Mr. Debbarma said that he had already made his political position clear by announcing his decision to withdraw from active politics. He expressed displeasure over reports that certain political parties were using his photographs and posters in their election campaigns despite that announcement.

He maintained that his immediate priorities were health-related initiatives and the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord. Against this backdrop, he questioned the rationale behind using his name and photographs for electoral publicity without his permission.

His message was not limited to an expression of disagreement. By threatening legal action, the TIPRA Motha founder signalled that he was prepared to pursue the matter through legal channels if the concerned parties failed to comply with his directive.

The controversy assumes significance because of Mr. Debbarma's political standing in Tripura. His leadership played a central role in the emergence of TIPRA Motha as a significant political force, particularly in the State's tribal areas. His public statements and political interventions have often influenced discussions surrounding indigenous rights, constitutional safeguards and the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord.

The use of his photograph in election campaign materials could potentially create an impression of his endorsement or political association with a particular candidate or organisation. His objection appears aimed at preventing any such impression from being conveyed to voters without his authorisation.

His announcement of withdrawal from active politics had already raised questions about his future role in the State's political landscape. However, his continued emphasis on the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord indicates that he intends to remain engaged with issues concerning the indigenous population, even as he seeks to distance himself from direct electoral campaigning.

The implementation of the accord remains a politically sensitive issue in Tripura, with expectations among sections of the indigenous population regarding constitutional, administrative and other safeguards. Mr. Debbarma has identified the issue as one of his principal areas of attention.

The latest development also comes at a time when political parties are intensifying their campaigns for the municipal corporation, municipalities and nagar panchayat elections. With political mobilisation gathering pace, the use of prominent leaders' photographs and political identities in campaign materials has become an important aspect of electoral publicity.

Mr. Debbarma's warning has therefore placed the spotlight on the distinction between a leader's past political association and his present consent to being projected in an election campaign.

The immediate question is whether the political parties and individuals concerned will comply with his demand and remove the photographs from their publicity materials. It also remains to be seen whether the issue will lead to legal proceedings.

For now, Mr. Debbarma has drawn a clear line: his name and photographs cannot be used for electoral campaigning without his consent. His warning has introduced an unexpected political and legal dimension to Tripura's already charged civic election atmosphere.

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