Agartala: The upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council have thrown a sharp spotlight on the gender imbalance in the state’s electoral politics, with only three women candidates nominated so far despite five parties entering the contest.The low number has triggered debate in Tripura’s political and civic circles, especially against the backdrop of repeated political messaging around women’s empowerment and inclusive development.So far, the CPM has fielded Brinda Debbarma from Amtali Ghoraghuri, the TIPRA Motha Party has nominated Geeta Debbarma from Pekucherra, and the ruling BJP has named Manjurani Sarkar for the Machhmara (General) seat.The Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura and the Indian National Congress have not nominated any women candidates, widening concerns over the lack of female representation in the tribal council polls.The ADC election is shaping up as a five-cornered contest involving the BJP, CPM, TIPRA Motha, IPFT, Congress and independent candidates. In at least 20 constituencies, four-party contests are expected.Even as campaigning gathers pace across ADC areas with rallies, nomination events and high-pitched attacks between rivals, women’s participation has remained marginal. CM Manik Saha has already joined BJP campaign events and targeted both CPM and TIPRA Motha.The contrast has become a talking point in the run-up to the polls. While parties continue to invoke women’s empowerment, gender equality and inclusive governance, their candidate lists reflect a different reality.
