TTAADC polls sees 83 pc casting, sporadic violence
AGARTALA: The BJP's three-month-long preparations and campaign did not seem to have worked well, as its main rival Tipra Motha dominated the field during the elections for the TTAADC Sunday. While there were no reports of large-scale violence, there was a palpable sense of pressure in the majority of the 28 seats of the tribal council, creating the possibility of a status quo when the results are declared.
The elections saw a high turnout of over 83 percent. There were sporadic incidents of violence, particularly in the Sepahijala and South Tripura districts.
Despite the deployment of security forces and adequate administrative measures, Tipra Motha, which currently holds the administration in the TTAADC after its spectacular win in the 2021 elections, dominated the political landscape on election day in a manner that it is accustomed to. 90 percent of the complaints were against Tipra Motha, with their supporters allegedly attacking a couple of BJP MLAs, preventing selected voters from exercising their franchise and forcing at least two candidates to flee to safety.
The security forces appeared to be in a lose-lose situation as they tried to avoid a direct confrontation. Many opined that the BJP, known for its "double engine" governments at the center and state level, failed to anticipate this and their tireless efforts may go in vain.
They also added that if Tipra Motha adopts the same tactics as it did in 2021, it might result in a free fall for the regional party in the reserved seats in the next assembly elections. The BJP may be forced to continue its alliance with Tipra Motha and may even refrain from entertaining rebels of the regional party for practical reasons.
This could lead to a scenario where careerists like Animesh and Chitta may be shown the door.