In a significant development in Tripura’s electoral history, both ruling parties and the opposition are vigorously campaigning independently for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. The council, with 28 elected members and two nominated by the state government, covers a large portion of Tripura’s geographical area and is crucial in the state’s political scenario. Scheduled for April 12, the elections have attracted 173 candidates from various national, regional, and local parties, along with Independents.
Three major national parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the CPI(M)-led Left Front, and Congress, along with regional and local parties, are actively participating in the electoral race. The BJP, Tipra Motha Party (TMP), and the Left Front have fielded candidates in all 28 seats, with Congress in 27 seats and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) in 24 seats. Additionally, there are 38 Independent candidates and nominees from local parties in contention.
The BJP, along with its tribal-based allies TMP and IPFT, is campaigning separately after failed alliance talks. Key leaders from various parties, including Chief Minister Manik Saha, CPI(M) Politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury, and TMP’s Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, are actively engaged in securing control of the council. Congress and IPFT leaders are also spearheading their respective parties’ campaigns with specific agendas and promises for the tribal communities.
TMP’s founder, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, has ruled out any alliance with the BJP for the TTAADC polls, emphasizing the need for concrete actions on previous agreements. Despite not contesting this time, he remains committed to advocating for tribal rights and community development. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects, citing strong support from tribal communities and the party’s developmental agenda for the region.
