Agartala, April 2: In a stark reflection of gender imbalance in regional politics, women constitute just 4.62 per cent of the 173 candidates contesting the April 12 elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), underlining the continued underrepresentation of women in electoral processes.
The TTAADC, established in 1982 to promote the socio-economic development of indigenous tribal communities, is considered the second most significant constitutional body in Tripura after the State Assembly. Despite its importance, only eight women candidates are in the fray this time, according to officials of the Tripura State Election Commission.
Among major political parties, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, its ally Tipra Motha Party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Indian National Congress have fielded one woman candidate each. The Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura has nominated three women, while one woman is contesting as an Independent.
Interestingly, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the IPFT—both tribal-based parties and allies of the BJP—are contesting separately after failing to arrive at a seat-sharing agreement.
A comparison with the 2021 TTAADC elections shows little improvement. Out of six women candidates who had contested then, only two—Swapna Rani Das and Dolly Reang—were elected to the 30-member council, which comprises 28 elected representatives and two nominated by the state government.
The TTAADC administers nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s geographical area—around 10,491 sq km—and serves a population of over 12.16 lakh. Notably, about 84 per cent of this population belongs to indigenous tribal communities, making the council a crucial institution in the state’s governance framework.
The electoral contest has attracted all major political players. The BJP, TMP, and the Left Front have fielded candidates in all 28 seats, while the Congress is contesting 27 and the IPFT 24. Additionally, 38 Independent candidates and several smaller parties are also in the race.
The TMP, which has been in power since 2021 after winning 18 seats, remains a key contender. With tribals forming nearly one-third of Tripura’s 42 lakh population, the TTAADC elections are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the state’s political trajectory.
