Agartala, Mar 18: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Tripura has formally approached the State Election Commission, urging a revision of the polling date for the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) due to a clash with the traditional Garia Puja festival.

Soon after the poll schedule was declared, the party raised concerns that the notified date coincides with one of the most significant religious celebrations of the state’s indigenous communities.

In a letter addressed to the State Election Commissioner, BJP general secretary Bipin Debbarma stated, “Garia Puja holds deep cultural and religious importance for the indigenous communities of the state. On this day, people remain engaged in rituals, festivities, and community gatherings, which may affect their ability to participate fully in the electoral process. Holding the polls on the same day could lead to reduced voter turnout and inconvenience to a large section of the population.”

As per the official schedule, polling for the TTAADC elections is set for April 13, with vote counting also slated for the same day.

Highlighting the overlap, Debbarma pointed out that April 13, 2026, marks the observance of Garia Puja—an occasion widely celebrated across tribal areas of Tripura.

“In view of this, I earnestly request your kind consideration to reschedule the poll date to another suitable day that does not clash with this important festival. Such a step would ensure maximum participation of the electorate and uphold the spirit of free and fair elections,” the letter read.

The State Election Commission has yet to issue a response regarding the request.