The ongoing political and administrative tussle regarding the delay in conducting elections to village committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has recently come under the spotlight following a significant development at the Supreme Court of India. This development occurred just a day after the apex court refused to grant the Tripura Government additional time to respond to a petition filed by Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, the founder of the ruling TIPRA Motha party. The petition challenges the delay in holding elections for the village committees within the TTAADC, a matter that has been a contentious issue in the state’s tribal regions for nearly a decade.
On Tuesday, shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision, Tripura’s Chief Minister Manik Saha addressed the media at the Agartala Press Club to clarify the state government's stance on the elections. He categorically stated that the state government is ready and willing to conduct the village committee elections. Saha emphasized that the government has never expressed reluctance or refusal to hold these polls, contrary to some narratives that suggest the administration is disinterested or deliberately stalling the process. He pointed out that the issue has already been presented before the concerned authorities and indicated that he would provide further information once he receives updated instructions. His statement underscored the government’s readiness to conduct all elections, including those for the village committees and the TTAADC itself.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to grant an extension came despite the state government’s legal counsel, Shuvodeep Roy, requesting more time to file a reply and to arrange for the elections. In a formal communication to the registrar of the Supreme Court, Roy explained that the state was still awaiting complete instructions to file a detailed response. He sought an adjournment of two weeks so that the government could prepare its reply and organize the elections accordingly. However, the court did not accede to this request, signaling its impatience with the delay and emphasizing the urgency of upholding democratic rights in the tribal areas.
Following the court’s decision, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma expressed his disappointment and determination to seek justice for the tribal people of Tripura. Taking to social media, he highlighted the long-standing denial of democratic rights to the Tiprasa community, pointing out that it has been nearly ten years since the last village committee elections were held. His remarks resonated with many tribal activists and community members who have long advocated for timely elections to ensure local self-governance and democratic representation.
Pradyot Kishore Debbarma was accompanied at the Supreme Court hearing by several prominent leaders from the TIPRA Motha party and the TTAADC administration. This group included the TTAADC Chief Executive Member Purna Chandra Jamatia, the TTAADC Chairman Jagadish Debbarma, TIPRA Motha minister Brishaketu Debbarma, and MLAs Philip Kumar Reang and Pathanlal Jamatia, along with TTAADC member Dhirendra Debbarma. Their presence underscored the political and administrative significance of the issue and the collective effort to press for the elections.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the State Election Commission (SEC) of Tripura to immediately organize the overdue village committee elections as mandated by the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council Act of 1994. A bench consisting of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice N V Anjaria had asked all stakeholders to explain the reasons behind the prolonged delay in conducting these essential local elections. The court’s intervention reflected its concern for ensuring the democratic functioning of the autonomous council and the village committees, which are crucial for local governance in the tribal areas.
The TTAADC is a significant administrative region covering approximately 70 percent of Tripura’s landmass. It is home to more than 30 percent of the state’s tribal population, which comprises 19 distinct tribal communities. The council manages local governance through 587 village committees spread across the tribal areas. These committees play a vital role in grassroots administration and the safeguarding of tribal rights and interests.
The village committee elections were originally scheduled to be held by March 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of these elections, and in their place, an administrator was appointed to oversee the council’s functions under the supervision of the state governor. Despite the extraordinary circumstances, this administrative arrangement has extended far beyond the initial expectation.
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