To his followers, he is the ‘Maharaja’ of Tripura, who is fighting fiercely for the rights of the indigenous people. Pradyut Bikram Manikya is also the head of Tipra Motha, which demands a separate Tipraland.
In the midst of campaigning for the by-polls to the four seats, Manikya exclusively told News18 how government formation is not possible without his support, and that he will support only those who “promise in writing in Tipperland”.
Edited excerpt from the interview:
Why are you asking for Tipra Motha, a separate Greater Tipperland?
In a brief interview, it is difficult to explain the hardship faced by the indigenous people of Tripura after its merger with the Indian Union. But in essence, Tipra Motha stands for the constitutional rights of the indigenous people.
In India, we do not have the numbers, they are with the people who have the maximum population and we have to protect our constitutional and political rights, mainly due to the migration of Hindus from East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh. We understand their problem, they should be given refugee status. However, this unusual flow has put indigenous peoples on the wrong side and we have lost many aspects – from economic development and education to language, identity and land rights.
Tipperland’s demand is to protect the rights of indigenous people without taking away the rights of the prosecuting Hindus from East Pakistan. Sometimes, confusion arises. Just because we are demanding Tipperalland as per our constitutional rights, it does not mean that we want to take away the rights of people seeking asylum in India.
We cannot criticize each other, we need to help each other. This is the only way to solve the problem.
‘Only CM changed, situation same’: TMC blames BJP for attack on cadres in Tripura, registers FIR, meets ECTipra Motha is now an umbrella and we speak for all marginalized people. We are a vital force. The second seat where Congress’s Sudip Roy Burman is contesting is also important. The fact that the Chief Minister is also contesting the election makes it significant. The main match will take place in 2023.
You have influence in 20 seats in Tripura. Do you have any plans for a pre-poll alliance?
We will go with any political party that gives in writing that they will give ‘Greater Tipperland’. If no one does this, we will fight from 20 seats reserved for tribals. However, there are 15 other seats where the tribal population is more than 35%. This new equation of SC and Cha Bagan workers increases our vote share to 50%. We will be a significant player in about 40 out of 60 seats. I did not enter politics for money. I have enough. We need to fight for our identity and heritage. If I hold secret pre-poll talks with the BJP, which has the financial power, what will I tell my people? Why have we gone with them? People have supported me because I am fighting for them. How can I thin it? Written assurance is required.
What is your opinion on the change of CM of BJP?
He must have given some thought before changing the CM, all this he has been presenting during this time. This is a clear indication that something has gone wrong in the last four years. This has created some confusion and now many CM candidates are not happy with the new one. This will lead to disruption and confusion. Instability is not good for BJP and Tripura.
Read also | ‘Not Just For 6-7 Months’: Manik Saha Says He Is BJP’s 2023 Tripura CM Face
How do you see TMC focusing on Tripura?
I know Abhishek Banerjee of TMC very well. I have met him. I have the highest respect for West Bengal CM Mamta Di and Sushmita Dev. I know what they are trying to do, but they have to work hard here. I do not see elections in the Hindu Bengali belt. They need to get the Hindu Bengali vote. We haven’t had any conversation with him. I wish them all the best. If they give us in writing, we will go with them. Everyone knows our position.
Where does Congress stand?
Congress is a great party. I left him because he treated me badly. Those who had said that I would join BJP have themselves joined hands with the party. When I was with Congress, I increased their vote share. Now you see where they have gone. I have good relations with Rahul Gandhi, I have respect for Sonia Gandhi, I love Priyanka Gandhi very much. There is turmoil in Congress, they have to work together. They have to make it clear who the central leader is, till then the states will face disappointment. In Tripura they have strong leaders like Sudip Roy Burman and Birjit Sinha, but they have to sort out their problems. Congress has to be revived centrally.
Will Tipra Motha be King or Kingmaker in 2023?
I know King, I don’t know Kingmakers. The role of Tipra Motha is not just political, it is the identity of our people. I don’t want to earn money, I will leave politics after getting constitutional rights. No one can form government in 2023 without us. They have to support our demand or we don’t mind sitting in the opposition. We will not sit in the government without getting a constitutional solution.
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