SC directs single phase VC polls in September, Pradyot hails

 The Supreme Court has directed the Tripura State Election Commission to conduct elections to the village committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council in a single phase on September 27.

The direction by a bench of justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi came on Tuesday after Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for Tripura SEC, suggested conducting the entire election in a single phase.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state government, agreed with the Attorney General's submission. "I am in complete agreement with the election commission. It would be better if it's completed in one phase. You will not have to spare more security forces," the bench said.

The apex court noted in its order, "As the parties are in substantial agreement and the difference between the proposed dates is merely one month, we direct that the elections to the Village Committees be conducted in terms of the election schedule proposed in... the affidavit." "Respondents and all authorities shall make earliest endeavours to abide by the schedule and to conclude the election process. No further extension shall be granted," the bench said in its order.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Debbarman alleging failure of authorities to conduct elections. 

Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman has hailed the move and said that elections to the Village Committees were pending for nearly a decade, and after the judicial intervention the polls are set to be conducted in September. Tripura State Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court of India through an affidavit, said Debbarman. 

In a social media post, Debbarman said the State Election Commission, in an affidavit submitted before the apex court, had agreed to conduct the elections in September.

“After years of legal struggle I am glad to say that the State Election Commission has agreed to hold elections in September this year. They have mentioned it in their affidavit to the Supreme Court. This is a huge relief and victory for the people of our state. Our rights have been restored by the efforts of the people,” he wrote.

In an audio message addressed to party workers and leaders, Debbarman said the Supreme Court hearing had made it clear that the long-pending VC elections would be held within two months.

“After 10 years of waiting, our VC election will be held within two months, in the month of September,” he said.

Urging party members to remain united, he appealed to them to focus on the future of their villages and the welfare of the indigenous Tiprasa community rather than personal interests.

According to a schedule annexed to the affidavit placed before the court, the election process is proposed to commence with notification and nomination filing from September 1 to September 8. Scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations are tentatively scheduled from September 9 to September 11, followed by campaigning from September 12 to September 26.

Polling is proposed to be held on September 27, while any repoll, if required, has been tentatively scheduled for October 1. Counting of votes is expected on October 3 and the election process is proposed to be completed by October 5, according to the document.

The Village Committee elections under the TTAADC have remained pending for several years, leading to legal proceedings before the Supreme Court.