Tipra Motha Party Aims for Victory in Tripura Tribal Council Elections
TMP's Ambitious Election Goals
A file image of TMP President Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma (Photo: Meta)
Agartala, April 11: Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, the leader of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), expressed confidence in his party's ability to secure victory in the upcoming elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) on April 12, aiming to win 24 out of 28 available seats.
During a rally in Gandatwisa, located in the Dhalai district, Debbarma urged voters to refrain from supporting the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), which is allied with the ruling BJP coalition in the state.
“The IPFT is unlikely to succeed in the elections on April 12. Supporting them would only benefit the BJP. I encourage you to back TMP, which is dedicated to advocating for your rights,” he stated.
Debbarma called for unity among the Tiprasa tribes, asserting that no external force could hinder TMP's success if the tribal community stands together during the elections.
He criticized Chief Minister Manik Saha, claiming that Saha lacks genuine concern for the Tiprasa people, stating that while Saha is focused on party interests, TMP is committed to the tribal cause. Debbarma promised that Saha would face the consequences of this on April 17, the day votes will be counted.
At present, TMP governs the tribal council, while the BJP holds an opposition role, despite both parties sharing power at the state level.
As the campaign for the 28-member TTAADC elections concluded on Friday, it was noted that the council covers two-thirds of Tripura's geographical area and is home to approximately 1.3 million residents.
Debbarma led a vigorous campaign for TMP, which seeks to maintain its position in the TTAADC, while Chief Minister Saha directed the BJP's efforts to reclaim control of the tribal council. The CPI (M) and Congress also actively participated in the campaign for the TTAADC elections.
“The campaign for the tribal council elections, set for April 12, concluded peacefully on Friday,” reported Anurag Sen, secretary of the State Election Commission (SEC). He added that the electoral process was largely smooth.
In total, 962,679 voters will determine the outcomes for 173 candidates vying for the 28 seats.
Director General of Police Anurag announced comprehensive security measures to ensure the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully. “In addition to 12,000 personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and local police, the Centre has dispatched 24 companies of paramilitary forces for the tribal council elections,” he informed the media. “All 1,257 polling booths will be staffed by TSR and state police, with additional Central forces deployed across all constituencies.”