ADC Polls Marred by Allegations in Minister’s Own Turf: Ratan Lal Nath Flags Threats, BJP’s Agent Entry Denied in Several Booths

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 12, 2026

The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections witnessed serious allegations of irregularities even in the constituency of state minister Ratan Lal Nath, raising concerns over the conduct of polling in sensitive areas. Despite an overall rise in voter turnout across ADC regions, the developments in Simna and Bodhjungnagar have added a controversial dimension to the electoral process.

Minister Ratan Lal Nath alleged that his party, the BJP, could not deploy polling agents in multiple booths within his own area. According to him, at least seven booths witnessed situations where BJP polling agents were allegedly threatened by supporters of Tipra Motha, forcing them to leave the polling stations. He further claimed that such incidents disrupted the normal functioning of polling in those locations.

The minister specifically pointed to irregularities in the 13-Simna Tamakari and 14-Bodhjungnagar-Wakinagar constituencies. He stated that in 6 to 7 polling stations, BJP polling agents were initially not allowed to enter due to alleged threats from Tipra Motha supporters. However, he added that the situation was later brought under control, and the agents were eventually allowed to enter the booths following intervention by the police and administration.

Speaking to media representatives, Ratan Lal Nath said that the administration ultimately ensured the entry of polling agents, restoring a degree of normalcy in the affected booths. His remarks highlight both the initial breakdown and subsequent corrective action taken by authorities during the polling process.

In a surprising observation, the minister also commented that such incidents of threats and removal of polling agents are, in a way, part of the electoral process, a statement that is likely to trigger political debate. Referring to another incident in Mandai, where a BJP candidate was allegedly attacked by Tipra Motha supporters, he described the incident as unfortunate but stopped short of making stronger allegations.

The developments have raised broader questions about the security of polling agents and the fairness of the election process in certain pockets of the ADC. While the administration reportedly intervened in time to address some of the issues, the allegations of intimidation and obstruction have become a key talking point in the political discourse surrounding the ADC polls.

Overall, while the elections recorded significant voter participation, these incidents underline the challenges in ensuring a completely free and fair polling environment, particularly in politically sensitive and closely contested regions like Simna and Bodhjungnagar.

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