Agartala, March 27 (NationPress) A competitive electoral battle is shaping up for the significant April 12 elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which is considered the state's second most vital constitutional entity after the Assembly.

This autonomous tribal council consists of 28 elected members, alongside two appointed by the state government. It governs almost two-thirds of Tripura’s total area of 10,491 sq km and caters to a population exceeding 12.16 lakh, with approximately 84 percent stemming from indigenous tribal groups.

Three national parties—the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Left Front led by CPI(M), and Congress—along with two regional entities, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), along with independent candidates, have collectively nominated 180 individuals for the 28 available seats.

The complete electoral picture will be clarified after the nomination withdrawals on March 28.

Interestingly, the BJP and its two tribal allies—TMP and IPFT—are running separately after failing to agree on a coalition for the TTAADC elections. The BJP, Left parties, and TMP have candidates contesting all 28 seats, while Congress is in the race for 27 seats and the IPFT for 24.

Moreover, there are 36 independent candidates participating.

TMP's founder and leader, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, recently conducted a series of unproductive discussions with BJP central leaders in New Delhi.

Earlier this week, Debbarma firmly dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the BJP, asserting that there would be no electoral collaboration without tangible progress regarding the tripartite agreement signed on March 2, 2024.

In a video statement, the former royal figure stressed that “assurances without implementation” of the agreement are unacceptable, emphasizing that commitments must lead to real actions.

Meanwhile, Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha, who has addressed numerous election rallies throughout the state, expressed strong faith that the BJP will secure governance in the TTAADC.

He highlighted the increasing public backing, stating that the trust and confidence of the Janajati (tribal) communities remain a vital strength for the party in the council areas. Saha characterized the BJP as a dependable option for ensuring comprehensive development and enhancing the quality of life in the region.

IPFT President Prem Kumar Reang mentioned that his party and the BJP did not engage in any discussions about contesting the TTAADC elections together. BJP leaders expressed dissatisfaction after the IPFT independently fielded its candidates.

Currently, TMP has two ministers, while IPFT holds one ministerial position in the 12-member Tripura Cabinet led by Chief Minister Manik Saha.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party has managed the strategically significant TTAADC. During the 2021 council elections, the BJP contested 11 seats, winning nine, while a BJP-backed Independent candidate also triumphed and later joined the TMP. Nevertheless, the TMP emerged as the leading force, capturing 18 seats and displacing control of the council from the CPI(M)-led Left Front.

As the elections approach, major political players, including the BJP, its allies IPFT and TMP, along with opposition factions like the CPI(M)-led Left Front and Congress, have intensified efforts to solidify support among tribal voters. Tribals account for nearly one-third of Tripura’s 4.2 million population and continue to significantly influence the political dynamics of the state.