The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a serious stance against the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra (INPT) for its prolonged inactivity in electoral contests. The ECI issued a show cause notice to the party, asking it to explain why it should not be delisted from the register of political parties.
The notice, which was circulated by the Information & Cultural Affairs department on Wednesday, highlighted the lack of participation by the INPT in recent elections. The party, founded in 2002 by former rebel-turned-politician Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl to consolidate tribal political forces, merged with the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) in 2021.
According to the ECI, the INPT failed to field any candidates in the 2018 and 2023 Tripura Assembly elections, the last two Lok Sabha polls, or any intervening bye-elections. The Commission stated that it is evident that the party has ceased to function as a political entity.
The INPT has been given until August 21 to submit a written representation, supported by an affidavit and relevant documents, explaining its position. A hearing has been scheduled for August 28 at the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Tripura, in Agartala.
The notice warned that failure to respond will be considered as acceptance of the Commission’s proposed action, which could lead to the removal of the INPT from the list of registered political parties. This move by the ECI underscores the importance of active political participation and accountability in the electoral process.
