TTAADC elections 2026 witness 65 percent turnout amid tight security, clashes in Boxanagar, EVM glitches, and voter allegations. Authorities deploy CAPF forces as Tripura tribal council polls remain largely peaceful with sporadic violence reported.
Polling for the 28 seats of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) commenced at 7 am on Sunday under stringent security arrangements across the state. Despite sporadic incidents of unrest, voter participation remained strong, with officials reporting an impressive turnout of nearly 65 percent by 1 pm.
The elections, seen as crucial for the future of tribal self-governance in Tripura, have drawn significant attention due to the participation of 173 candidates from major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, Tipra Motha, and Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT).
Authorities confirmed that a total of 9,62,547 registered voters are eligible to cast their votes across 1,257 polling stations established in the council areas. To ensure a smooth electoral process, extensive security arrangements were put in place. This included area domination exercises, flag marches, and the deployment of 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), particularly in sensitive and vulnerable locations.
Election officials expressed confidence that the polling process would remain free and fair. However, several incidents during the day raised concerns over the conduct of the elections.
In South Taibandal, a voter named Bhanumati Tripura alleged that her vote had already been cast by someone else before she reached the polling booth. This triggered sharp reactions from Tipra Motha leaders, who accused rival parties of orchestrating a conspiracy to influence the outcome.
Tensions escalated further in Boxanagar’s Veluarchar area, where reports emerged of bombs being hurled outside a polling station. Security forces responded swiftly, preventing further escalation. In another incident, clashes broke out between supporters of the BJP and Tipra Motha at polling station number 42 in Kulai Champahaor, prompting the immediate deployment of additional security personnel.
At Jaharjala Senior Basic School in Dayal Para under Sepahijala district, Tipra Motha supporters alleged that BJP MLA Tofazzal Hossain was present inside the polling station along with his supporters, leading to heightened tensions. Reports of at least six bombs being hurled nearby created panic among voters and local residents.
Technical issues also affected the polling process in certain areas. Malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) caused delays at several booths. At the Wakinagar centre in Bodhjungnagar, voting at booth number 27 began approximately 30 minutes late, frustrating voters who had been waiting in long queues.
Despite these disruptions, many voters remained determined to exercise their democratic rights. In Mandai, a touching scene unfolded as a 70-year-old woman was carried to a polling station so she could cast her vote, reflecting the strong commitment of citizens to participate in the electoral process.
Several candidates also cast their votes and expressed confidence in their prospects. Tipra Motha candidate Runiel Debbarma, after voting at Kumari Bil JB School, asserted that his party was heading towards a “100 percent victory.” Fellow candidate Rabindra Debbarma voted at Sonai Bazar English Medium School. BJP General Secretary Bipin Debbarna cast his vote at Dinabandhu Para JB School, while independent candidate Sanjib Debbarma described polling in his constituency as peaceful.
While the majority of polling stations witnessed orderly voting, the reported incidents of violence, allegations of malpractice, and technical glitches have raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, deploying reinforcements wherever required to maintain law and order.
| Read: TTAADC Elections 2026 Begin with Strong Voter Turnout Surge |
The outcome of the TTAADC elections will play a decisive role in shaping governance and development policies in Tripura’s tribal regions, making this electoral exercise a significant milestone for the state.
