Agartala, March 29 (NationPress) In a historic first for Tripura's electoral landscape over the past several decades, both the ruling and opposition parties have embarked on aggressive campaigns—without any alliances—to secure control of the vital Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which is regarded as the state's second most significant constitutional entity following the state Assembly.

The tribal autonomous council, consisting of 28 elected representatives and two appointed by the state government, is scheduled for elections on April 12.

Encompassing nearly two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sq km area, the council serves over 12.16 lakh inhabitants, with around 84% belonging to indigenous tribal groups, thus establishing the TTAADC as a pivotal body in the state's political framework.

Three national parties—the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the CPI(M)-led Left Front, and Congress—along with two regional factions, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), as well as local parties and Independents, have collectively put forward 173 candidates competing for the 28 council seats.

As per officials from the State Election Commission (SEC), after nominations were finalized on March 28, the BJP, TMP, and Left Front have candidates contesting in all 28 seats, while Congress has fielded candidates in 27 and IPFT in 24. Additionally, 38 Independent candidates and representatives from local parties are also participating.

The BJP’s tribal allies—TMP and IPFT—are running independently after failing to establish a coalition for the TTAADC elections. The BJP, led by Chief Minister Manik Saha and state party president Rajib Bhattacharjee, alongside the Left Front led by CPI(M) Politburo member and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, and the TMP under Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, have all initiated extensive campaigns aimed at gaining council control.

Key figures like Sudip Roy Barman, Congress Working Committee member and former Minister, state Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, IPFT president Prem Kumar Reang, and party leader and state minister Sukla Charan Noatia are at the forefront of their respective party campaigns.

Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the TMP founder, decisively ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the BJP after a series of inconclusive discussions with the party's central leadership in New Delhi last week.

He emphasized that there would be no electoral partnership without evident progress on the tripartite agreement signed on March 2, 2024, stating that “assurances without implementation” of the accord are unacceptable and that commitments must lead to tangible actions.

“My party and I will persist in advocating for the land rights of the tribals, the economic advancement of indigenous communities, and the safeguarding of constitutional rights for marginalized tribal groups. I am confident that after the TTAADC elections, the call will come from Delhi, not from the BJP's state leaders,” Debbarma stated.

He further mentioned that he is not contesting this election cycle, opting instead to nominate young and capable leaders aimed at benefiting tribal communities and the new generation of indigenous people. In a 24-minute video message, the TMP chief asserted that his party is poised to reclaim the TTAADC.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manik Saha, who has participated in over a dozen election rallies statewide, expressed strong assurance that the BJP will prevail in the tribal autonomous body.

Highlighting the growing public support, he noted that the trust and belief of the Janajati (tribal) communities remain a significant advantage for the party within the council regions.

CM Saha characterized the BJP as a dependable option for fostering comprehensive development and enhancing the quality of life in the area.

IPFT president Prem Kumar Reang stated that there had been no discussions with the BJP regarding a joint approach for the TTAADC elections.

BJP leaders have voiced dissatisfaction following the IPFT's unilateral decision to field its candidates. The TMP has two ministers, while the IPFT has one minister in the 12-member Tripura Cabinet led by Chief Minister Manik Saha.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party has held governance over the strategically vital TTAADC.

In the 2021 council elections, the BJP contested 11 seats and secured nine victories, while a BJP-supported Independent candidate also won and later joined the TMP. However, the TMP emerged as the dominant force, claiming 18 seats and taking control of the council from the CPI(M)-led Left Front.

Tribal communities represent nearly one-third of Tripura's 4.2 million population and continue to significantly influence the state's political dynamics.