Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, the founder of Tipra Motha and a royal scion of Tripura, retaliated against the Congress party on Wednesday after claims were made about her sister’s surname, claiming that it is Indian practice to take the surname of one’s husband after marriage.

Responding to a question about the Congress party’s charges, Mr Debbarman stated, “We are from India. Daughters take their husband’s surname after marriage. Indira Gandhi was not born with the Gandhi surname. When she married Feroze Gandhi, she was given her husband’s surname in accordance with Indian tradition. Similar reasoning applies to Sonia Gandhi as well. Priyanka Gandhi also uses the surname Vadra with her name. My sister was born into this household. She inherited her relatives’ surnames, and when she married, she took her husband’s surname.

Mr Debbarman further stated that he holds the senior Congress in high regard and has never spoken out against Rahul Gandhi or other senior Congress leaders. He also urged voters to vote on Election Day.

Making a plea to the Election Commission to provide adequate voting facilities in Tripura, given the prevailing heatwave. “Proper sheds and water should be arranged for the voters as we can see the hot weather,” Mr. Debbarman remarked.