ADC Polls Witness Strong Surge Amid Controversy: Turnout Climbs to 65% from Midday 45%, Rigging and Violence Allegations Surface

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 12, 2026

The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections recorded a significant surge in voter turnout, rising sharply from around 45 percent by 12 PM to a final 65 percent, reports upto 1 pm of polling. While the overall participation reflects strong democratic engagement across ADC regions, the polling process was also marked by allegations of irregularities, violence and voter obstruction from different quarters.

The sharp increase in turnout after midday indicates a clear late voting trend, particularly in rural and interior tribal areas. Initial reports had suggested moderate participation, but as the day progressed, a large number of voters turned up at polling stations, pushing the final turnout to a robust level. This pattern aligns with the traditional voting behaviour in ADC areas, where many voters prefer to cast their ballots in the later hours due to practical and socio-economic factors.

Amid the overall positive turnout, state minister Ratan Lal Nath alleged attempts of rigging in certain constituencies, specifically in Simna-Tamakari and Bodhjungnagar-Wakinagar seats. According to him, in two to three polling stations in these constituencies, polling agents were initially prevented from entering the booths. He stated that the situation was later resolved after intervention by the police and administration, who ensured that the agents were allowed to enter and carry out their duties. The minister made these remarks while addressing the media during the polling process.

Serious allegations of violence also emerged during the day. It was reported that miscreants allegedly attempted to run over former MLA Prabhat Chowdhury of the 39 Manu Assembly constituency with a vehicle. While he escaped with minor injuries and is currently stated to be safe, his bodyguard sustained serious injuries and has been admitted to a hospital. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of political leaders and workers during the election.

Concerns regarding the security of polling personnel also came to the forefront, with reports suggesting that employees engaged in election duties felt unsafe in certain areas. In the 10-Kulai-Champahour constituency, particularly at booths numbered 17 and 18, allegations surfaced that non-tribal voters were obstructed from casting their votes. Local residents expressed dissatisfaction over the role of the police, claiming that the obstruction and even incidents of stone pelting occurred in the presence of security personnel, leading to heightened tension in the area.

Despite these allegations and isolated incidents, the overall voter turnout remained strong. Women voters slightly outnumbered men in participation, with female turnout recorded at 66 percent compared to 64 percent among male voters, indicating growing political awareness among women in ADC areas.

Several constituencies recorded high turnout figures, with Purba Muhuripur–Burtali registering the highest at 73 percent, followed by Silachhari–Manubankul and Kathalia–Mirja–Rajapur at 71 percent each. Even in areas with relatively lower turnout, participation remained steady, suggesting a broadly uniform voting pattern across the ADC.

In total, out of an electorate of 9,51,613 voters, 6,18,475 exercised their franchise, resulting in an overall turnout of 65 percent. This marks a substantial increase from midday trends and reflects strong voter engagement despite the challenges reported during the polling process.

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