Electoral Politics in Tripura: A Brief Analysis

Abstract

This paper examines the electoral politics of Tripura, focusing on demographic changes, indigenous aspirations, and women’s participation in elections. Following its merger with India in 1949, Tripura underwent significant political shifts, notably the influx of refugees post-partition, which altered the state’s demographic structure, reducing indigenous tribal people to just 31% of the population (2001 census). The first elections were held in 1952, and since then, the contest between major political parties like Congress and the Left Front has shaped the state’s political environment. Regional tribal political parties, such as the Tripura Upajati Juba Samity (TUJS) and Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra (INPT), emerged as responses to the changing demographics and political landscape. The impact of refugee influx has let indigenous tribal demands for autonomy to the formation of regional parties. Additionally, women have increasingly participated in the electoral process, with notable representation in the 2008 elections. The paper also highlights the 2008 Legislative Assembly election, which saw a record voter turnout and provided details into the complex political dynamics in Tripura, including the role of the tribal population, the dominance of Left Front in rural areas, and the Congress’s success in urban constituencies. The election was hailed as a model of peaceful and fair elections in India.