Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has affirmed the state’s readiness to conduct elections for the Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), following the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant additional time to the government for responding to a writ petition filed by TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma. The apex court’s decision has intensified pressure on the state administration to expedite the long-delayed polls, which have been pending since the tenure of the last committees expired in March 2021.
Speaking to reporters in Agartala on November 4, 2025, CM Saha stated, “We are ready for all kinds of polls, be it village committee polls or TTAADC polls. We never said we don’t want to conduct them. It is being projected as if we are not interested, which is not true.” His remarks came a day after the Supreme Court denied the state government’s request for more time to respond to the petition, which highlighted the absence of elected grassroots governance in tribal areas for over four years.
🧠 Supreme Court’s Directive and Legal Timeline
| Date | Legal Development | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| March 2021 | Tenure of 587 Village Committees ends | No elections held |
| August 2025 | SC issues notice to ECI and Tripura SEC | Seeks explanation for delay |
| October 2025 | Tripura seeks extension to file response | SC denies request |
| November 2025 | CM Saha confirms readiness for polls | Political momentum builds |
The Supreme Court’s firm stance has accelerated the state’s obligation to restore democratic processes in tribal regions.
📊 Current Status of TTAADC Village Committees
| Governance Unit | Status Since March 2021 | Impact on Tribal Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Village Committees (587) | Defunct, no elected members | Administrative vacuum, delayed schemes |
| Gram Panchayats (non-TTAADC) | Functioning normally | Regular elections held |
| TTAADC Council | Operational, elected in 2021 | Limited reach without village bodies |
The absence of elected village committees has disrupted local governance and welfare delivery in tribal areas.
📈 Political Reactions and Stakeholder Commentary
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| CM Manik Saha | “We are committed to conducting polls.” |
| Pradyot Kishore Debbarma | “Democracy must be restored at the grassroots.” |
| TIPRA Motha Leaders | “Delay is unconstitutional and unjust.” |
| Civil Society Groups | “Tribal voices must be represented.” |
The issue has become a flashpoint in Tripura’s tribal politics, with TIPRA Motha leading the charge for electoral accountability.
📌 Strategic Importance of Village Committee Elections
| Sector Impacted | Benefit of Elections |
|---|---|
| Tribal Welfare Schemes | Improved implementation and monitoring |
| Local Governance | Restoration of democratic decision-making |
| Youth Engagement | Increased participation in civic processes |
| Political Stability | Reduced tensions and enhanced representation |
The elections are expected to reinvigorate tribal governance and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
📌 Conclusion
Tripura’s commitment to conducting the long-overdue TTAADC Village Committee elections has gained urgency following the Supreme Court’s directive. Chief Minister Manik Saha’s assurance that the state is “ready for any kind of polls” reflects a shift toward compliance and political responsiveness. As tribal communities await the restoration of grassroots democracy, the upcoming elections will play a pivotal role in shaping Tripura’s governance landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available judicial orders, political statements, and media reports. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
