TTAADC polls to take place next month

The elections to the 30-seat Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) have been scheduled for May 3.

State Election Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Rakesh said the statutory notification for the elections will be issued on April 4 and votes will be counted on May 6.

A total of 7,58,554 electors, including 3,75,117 women, are eligible to vote.

Of the 30 seats, 28 are filled through direct elections and two members are nominated by the government.

Meanwhile, of the 30 seats, 27 are reserved for tribals.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) led Left Front had announced their candidates last week. The main opposition Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have also announced they will contest the polls.

The TTTAADC was formed in January 1982 under the seventh schedule of the Constitution and later its powers were upgraded by amending the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in August 1984 to protect and safeguard the political, economic and cultural interests of the tribals, who consist one third of the population.

Tribals play a crucial role in Tripura politics. In the 60-member legislative assembly, 20 seats are reserved for tribals.