Agartala, April 17: The Tipra Motha Party (TMP), led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, has once again secured control of the politically significant Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), reinforcing its dominance in the state’s tribal political landscape. An ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the TMP achieved an absolute majority in the 30-member council, widely regarded as the second most important constitutional institution in Tripura after the Legislative Assembly.
The TTAADC consists of 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government. It administers nearly 70 percent of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km geographical area, making it strategically vital. In the latest results, TMP has already secured 18 seats and is leading in four more constituencies, comfortably crossing the majority mark.
The BJP, contesting separately from its allies, has won two seats and is leading in four others. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front and the Indian National Congress have once again failed to win any seats, repeating their performance from the 2021 council elections.
In the previous 2021 elections, TMP had also won 18 seats, wresting control of the council from the Left Front. The BJP had then secured nine seats, along with support from an Independent candidate who later joined the TMP. With back-to-back victories, political observers note that TMP has significantly consolidated its influence among tribal voters in the state.
Formed in 1985 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the TTAADC plays a key role in promoting the socio-economic development of tribal communities. Although its administrative powers are limited, it governs around 68 percent of Tripura’s land area and remains a critical political institution.
The counting of votes is being conducted under tight security across all eight districts of the state. Authorities have implemented strict measures, including prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, around counting centres to maintain law and order. A three-tier security system, involving both central and state forces, has been deployed at all 17 counting locations.
The April 12 elections witnessed a multi-cornered contest involving national parties such as the BJP, Congress, and the Left Front, along with regional players like TMP and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT). A total of 173 candidates, including 38 Independents, contested the polls.
With over 83.5 percent voter turnout among 9.6 lakh eligible voters, the election results highlight the continued importance of tribal communities, who constitute nearly one-third of Tripura’s 4.2 million population, in shaping the state’s political future.
