Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, founder of Tipra Motha and a member of the royal family in Tripura, has spoken out against the extended delay in conducting village committee (VC) elections in the state. Describing it as “one of the longest delays in the history of democratic India,” Pradyot expressed his concerns over the lack of local governance for Tripura’s indigenous communities.
The matter is now set to be heard by the Supreme Court on October 27 or 28 after a mention was made before the Chief Justice of India earlier this week. In a post on Facebook, Pradyot confirmed that the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India had agreed to hear the case later this month.
Pradyot has been vocal in his criticism of the state administration for failing to hold VC elections in a timely manner, arguing that the delay is indicative of larger systemic issues that marginalize tribal groups in Tripura. He pointed out that the indigenous people have been suffering due to the lack of representation and governance, with frustration growing among the youth and Gen Z population.
The VC elections are crucial for the functioning of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), and the prolonged postponement has sparked criticism from various political factions. Calls for immediate action to restore grassroots democracy in the region have been mounting as the delay continues to impact the indigenous communities in Tripura.
