Agartala: The founder of the Tipra Motha Party, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, has strongly rebuffed claims that the passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill is contingent on a specific political party’s victory in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
Terming the statement, allegedly made by a senior political leader, as “foolish and misleading,” Pradyot revealed he personally sought clarification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), where senior officials expressed “shock” at the assertion.
“I have seen a statement made by some leaders that if one party comes to power in TTAADC, then the 125th Amendment Bill will be passed in Tripura. Such a statement, that too from a senior and important leader, is very misleading,” Pradyot stated. He confirmed that his discussions with MHA officials clarified that the bill is a pan-Northeast initiative, not limited to Tripura. “The amendment bill is not only for Tripura but also for Bodoland, Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and others. They asked me not to take this statement seriously. I want to clarify that this matter is not linked with any election,” he added.
Pradyot further explained that the bill, if implemented, would be simultaneously applied to all 10 district councils across the Northeast, emphasizing its broad-reaching nature. He also took a jibe at those who he believes are underestimating the indigenous population. “Some people think our indigenous people are still uneducated as they were years ago. I want to tell them, they are not fools. In fact, it is you who look foolish for making such silly statements. I would urge you to read the law and understand the Constitution,” he said. While condemning the statement as “irresponsible and misleading,” Pradyot expressed hope that the Government of India would soon proceed with the implementation of the 125th Amendment Bill without any further delay.