Reported by Mrinal Banik

Agartala: Twenty-four newly elected Members of the District Council (MDCs) from the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) were sworn in at Khumulwng on Monday, formally constituting the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by senior party leaders, including Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarman and party president B.K. Hrangkhwal, along with Ministers and MLAs.

Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured four seats in the 28-member council, abstained from the ceremony. The party had earlier announced a boycott, alleging irregularities in a recruitment drive for 120 posts under the council.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Debbarman stressed that prioritising youth, healthcare, education and employment opportunities was critical for both the state and the country. He called for systemic reforms, arguing that incremental changes would not be sufficient to address structural challenges.

“A new Tripura and a new India are being built. Without prioritising youth, health, education and opportunities, society will suffer,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for broader participation in governance, suggesting that professionals from diverse fields, including former civil servants, members of the judiciary, students, and those involved in art and culture should be engaged in planning and policy execution.

Highlighting the role of the TTAADC, Debbarman said the state’s overall development was closely tied to progress in the tribal council areas. He urged the Centre to focus greater attention on the region.

“Tripura cannot develop without the TTAADC. Now that the elections are over, the focus must be on development of the people,” he said.

Following the swearing-in, the first meeting of the MDCs was convened, with senior leader Jagadish Debbarma presiding over the session as chairman.

The election of key positions, including the Chairman, Chief Executive Member (CEM) and Executive Members (EMs), is expected shortly. Party sources indicated that changes in leadership positions are likely, with the final composition of the executive to be announced after the declaration of results of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

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