BJP's Tribal Alliances in Tripura Face Strain Over Kokborok Script Controversy
In Agartala, the political landscape of Tripura is witnessing significant tension as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) relationships with its key tribal allies, TIPRA Motha and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), have become strained. The core of the dispute revolves around the contentious demand to adopt the Roman script for the Kokborok language, which is spoken by approximately 31 per cent of Tripura's population.
Historical Context and Tribal Movements
Kokborok, a language with deep historical roots, has traditionally been written in the Bengali script since the 14th-century royal regime. However, tribal parties have been advocating for a shift to the Roman script for around three decades. This persistent demand previously prompted the Left Front government to establish a commission to examine the issue, highlighting its long-standing significance in regional politics.
The movement gained renewed momentum with the emergence of TIPRA Motha, founded by royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman. This party has been at the forefront of a vigorous campaign to replace the Bengali script with the Roman script for Kokborok. The push intensified notably after the second BJP-led government assumed office and TIPRA Motha rose to become the principal opposition in the Tripura assembly in 2023, amplifying the debate's political stakes.
Government Stance and Tribal Backlash
Chief Minister Manik Saha has taken a firm stance against the adoption of the Roman script, asserting that the government would not permit "any foreign scripts" for Kokborok. Instead, he has suggested alternatives such as Devanagari, Bengali, or other Indian scripts. Saha emphasized that foreign scripts would not be allowed as a medium for teaching Kokborok, aligning his position with the Kokborok Sahitya Parishad (KSP), which has proposed Devanagari or Bengali for the language.
This position has sparked strong reactions from BJP's tribal allies. As demonstrations in favor of the Roman script continued, the IPFT publicly objected to the Chief Minister's remarks. IPFT general secretary Swapan Debbarma criticized Saha, urging him to avoid "unsolicited advice" on the mother tongue of different communities. Debbarma pointed out that the CM's mother tongue is Bengali and argued that he should refrain from making "unnecessary statements" on the issue.
Political Implications and Warnings
Swapan Debbarma further elaborated that the script decision should be made by the speakers of the language themselves, noting that views from those not well-versed in Kokborok amount to interference. He added that the Chief Minister "does not need to have an opinion on every matter," underscoring the sensitivity of linguistic identity in tribal communities.
In a pointed political warning, Debbarma cited the decline of the Left Front in Tripura's hilly areas, linking it to their opposition to the Roman script "without valid justification." He cautioned that political power is not permanent, hinting at potential electoral consequences if the BJP fails to address tribal concerns. Debbarma also clarified that the CM's remarks might be personal, as neither the BJP nor the government has issued any formal written policy decision on the Kokborok script, leaving room for further negotiation and debate.
This ongoing controversy highlights the delicate balance of coalition politics in Tripura, where linguistic and cultural issues can significantly impact alliances and governance. As tribal parties continue to advocate for their linguistic rights, the BJP faces the challenge of navigating these demands while maintaining its political partnerships in the region.
