Agartala, March 29: In a rare development in Tripura’s electoral history, both ruling and opposition parties have launched full-scale campaigns without alliances for the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, the state’s second most significant constitutional body after the Assembly.
The 28-member council, along with two nominated members, will go to polls on April 12. Covering nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km area and home to over 12.16 lakh people—84 per cent of them from indigenous tribal communities—the TTAADC holds immense political importance.
A total of 173 candidates are contesting across 28 seats. The BJP, Tipra Motha Party (TMP), and the CPI(M)-led Left Front have fielded candidates in all seats, while Congress is contesting 27 and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) 24. Additionally, 38 Independents and local party candidates are in the fray.
Notably, BJP’s tribal allies TMP and IPFT are contesting separately after failing to reach a seat-sharing agreement. Chief Minister Manik Saha is leading the BJP’s campaign, expressing confidence in forming the council government, citing strong tribal support and a development-driven agenda.
TMP chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma has ruled out any alliance with the BJP, stressing that no understanding is possible without visible progress on the March 2, 2024 tripartite accord. He reiterated his party’s commitment to protecting tribal land rights and ensuring economic upliftment. Though not contesting, he has fielded a mix of young and experienced leaders and remains confident of victory.
IPFT leaders, including Prem Kumar Reang, confirmed the absence of alliance talks with the BJP, even as tensions surfaced over unilateral candidate announcements.
The TMP currently governs the TTAADC, having won 18 seats in 2021, displacing the Left Front. With tribals forming nearly one-third of Tripura’s population, the council elections are set to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s political future.
