26 families join Congress in Chawmanu, Tripura ahead of ADC Polls

In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections, 26 families comprising 84 voters formally joined the Congress party in Chawmanu market, leaving the BJP and TIPRA Motha. 

The joining took place under the leadership of Pradesh Congress president Asish Kumar Saha during a rally and market meeting organized in support of Congress candidate Surya Lal Chakma.

Addressing the gathering, Saha strongly criticized the ruling BJP–TIPRA Motha–IPFT alliance, alleging that the coalition has failed to deliver for the people in the hills and has instead been consumed by internal conflicts. He pointed to the separate contesting of BJP and TIPRA Motha in the upcoming elections as evidence of their fractured governance.

Speaking about the Congress manifesto for the ADC elections 2026, Saha described it as a blueprint for tribal empowerment, administrative autonomy, and inclusive development. 

"The party has pledged expanded powers for the ADC, including full legislative authority, direct central funding, and independent revenue generation. It also renewed its demand for passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to strengthen autonomous councils", he said.

Few proposals highlighted by Saha include: Minimum support price mechanisms for shifting (jhum) cultivation, mandatory social audits, stricter anti-corruption measures, and compulsory asset disclosure for elected representatives, upgraded healthcare facilities, mobile medical units, and de-addiction centres, recruitment of Kokborok language teachers, scholarships, and skill development centres, among others.

Saha emphasized that Congress, as the historical architect of tribal institutions in Tripura, is committed to building a “transparent, accountable and people-centric ADC” that safeguards rights while accelerating development.

Pradesh Youth Congress president Neel Kamal Saha and other leaders were also present at the event, which drew enthusiastic participation from local residents.