Chawmanu, Tripura — In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections, 26 families comprising 84 voters formally joined the Indian National Congress, leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Tipra Motha Party.
The joining took place at Chawmanu market during a rally and public meeting led by Pradesh Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, organized in support of Congress candidate Surya Lal Chakma. The event witnessed active participation from local residents and party supporters.
Addressing the gathering, Saha launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP–TIPRA Motha–IPFT alliance, alleging that it has failed to meet the aspirations of people in the tribal areas. He claimed that internal conflicts within the alliance have weakened governance, pointing to the separate contesting of BJP and TIPRA Motha in the upcoming elections as evidence of a fractured political arrangement.
Highlighting the Congress manifesto for the ADC elections 2026, Saha described it as a comprehensive roadmap for tribal empowerment, administrative autonomy, and inclusive development. He reiterated the party’s commitment to expanding the powers of the ADC, including provisions for full legislative authority, direct central funding, and independent revenue generation.
He also renewed the demand for the passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to strengthen autonomous councils. Among key proposals, Saha mentioned the introduction of minimum support price mechanisms for jhum cultivation, mandatory social audits, stricter anti-corruption measures, and compulsory asset disclosure for elected representatives.
Additional focus areas include improving healthcare infrastructure through mobile medical units and de-addiction centres, recruitment of Kokborok language teachers, and expansion of scholarships and skill development programmes.
Saha emphasized that Congress remains committed to building a transparent, accountable, and people-centric ADC. Pradesh Youth Congress president Neel Kamal Saha and other leaders were also present.
