"King Of My Own World": Tripura Ex Royal To NDTV On Secret Alliance Charge

The remark comes against the backdrop of Home Minister Amit Shah's charge that Tipra Motha has a "secret understanding" with the Congress and the CPM

Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, whose party is being seen as the x-factor in this Tripura election, today ruled out the BJP's claims of a tacit understanding with the Congress-CPM alliance and said his loyalty lies only with his supporters.

In an exclusive chat with NDTV, Mr Debbarma said he has old friends in many parties, including the Congress, and he had been greeting them whenever he met them during poll meetings.

Asked if such meetings were indications of any political understanding as alleged by the BJP, he replied, "I am the king of my own world. I don't have to listen to (BJP chief JP) Nadda ji, I don't have to listen to Sonia ji, I have to listen to my inner voice. I am an independent leader of my own party. I don't have to go by the diktats by what the Home Minister says or what Congress president Kharge ji says. I am going to go with what my heart says."

The remark comes against the backdrop of Home Minister Amit Shah's charge that Tipra Motha has a "secret understanding" with the Congress and the CPM and that voting for the tribal party means voting for the Communists.