By Firstdespatch Desk Oct 07, 2025
Agartala, Oct 7 (FD) In a major political development, the ruling Tipra Motha has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India, challenging the prolonged delay in conducting the Village Council (VC) elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
The case was jointly filed by party founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, along with senior party leaders Ranjit
Debbarma and Jagadish Debbarma.
Following the filing in New Delhi, Pradyot Kishore informed that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) had heard their submission and assured that the matter concerning the long-pending VC elections would be taken up for hearing on October 27 or 28.
In a Facebook post, Pradyot wrote, “The Hon’ble CJI has listened to our mention today at the Supreme Court, and the hearing for the VC elections will take place later this month. The delay in holding the VC election must be one of the longest delays in the history of
democratic India.”
Tipra Motha leaders have consistently accused the state government of intentionally stalling the village-level polls, claiming it undermines the democratic rights of the indigenous Tiprasa people residing in the ADC areas.
The Village Committee elections—crucial for grassroots governance in the Sixth Schedule regions—have not been held for several years, leading to growing frustration among the tribal populace. Party insiders said the move to approach the apex court was intended to restore constitutional governance and revive local self-rule in the ADC areas, which have been functioning without elected Village
Committees for an unprecedented period.
The last VC elections were held on February 24, 2016, and results declared on February 27 the same year. As per norms, the elections
should be held every five years. However, after the committees’ term expired in 2021, polls were postponed citing the Covid-19 pandemic, and no further steps were taken since.
In August 2025, the Supreme Court had earlier issued a notice to the Tripura government and election authorities over the delay in
conducting new VC polls.
The TTAADC, which covers nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s territory and is home to one-third of the state’s population, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the political, social, and cultural rights of the tribal communities. FD JK