TTAADC Elections 2026 update: 171 nominations declared valid after scrutiny, with Maharani-Chelagang pending. Gomati District orders licensed firearms deposit before March 30 to ensure peaceful polling for over nine lakh voters ahead of April 12 elections.
The election process for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has gained momentum as 171 nominations have been declared valid following the scrutiny exercise conducted by the State Election Commission. The verification process, which took place on Thursday, marked a significant step toward the upcoming district council polls scheduled in April.
However, the final tally of valid candidates is yet to be confirmed, as scrutiny for one constituency—Maharani-Chelagang—remains incomplete. Officials stated that the examination of 11 nomination papers from this constituency had to be adjourned due to technical issues and will resume on Friday.
According to official sources, a total of 186 candidates submitted nomination papers by March 25, the last date for filing. Interestingly, the total number of nomination papers exceeded 200, as candidates are permitted to file up to four nomination papers under election rules. After scrutiny, 171 nominations have been accepted so far, while the remaining are either under review or may be rejected depending on compliance with electoral guidelines.
“The scrutiny of nomination papers, except for the Maharani-Chelagang constituency, has been completed. Out of 186 candidates, 171 nominations have been declared valid. Once the remaining constituency is reviewed, we will have the final count,” an official from the State Election Commission confirmed.
The electoral picture will become clearer after March 28, which is the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Only after this stage will the final list of candidates contesting the TTAADC elections be officially published.
Polling for the elections is scheduled to be held on April 12, while the counting of votes will take place on April 17. Authorities estimate that more than nine lakh voters will participate in the democratic exercise, making it one of the most significant local governance elections in the state of Tripura.
In a parallel development, the administration has stepped up security measures to ensure peaceful elections. The District Magistrate of Gomati district has issued a directive mandating the deposit of all licensed firearms and ammunition at local police stations by March 30, 2026.
The order has been issued under the provisions of the Arms Act, 1959, and applies to all individuals possessing licensed weapons across the district. Authorities emphasized that the move is aimed at preventing any form of violence before, during, and after the polling process.
However, certain exemptions have been made. Licensed firearms used by security personnel deployed in banks within the district will not fall under this directive. Officials clarified that strict action will be taken against violators, including seizure of weapons and legal proceedings under the law.
“Anyone found in possession of firearms or ammunition after the deadline will face legal consequences,” a senior official warned, underlining the administration’s zero-tolerance approach toward potential disruptions.
The directive comes amid heightened vigilance, as elections in tribal areas have historically witnessed tensions. Authorities believe that proactive measures such as disarming licensed weapon holders will contribute to maintaining law and order.
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With the nomination process nearing completion and security protocols being tightened, the stage is set for a closely watched electoral contest in the TTAADC. The upcoming polls are expected to play a crucial role in shaping grassroots governance and political dynamics in the tribal regions of Tripura.
