Agartala, September 28: The CPI(M) on Monday alleged irregularities during polling for the Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), claiming that polling agents of opposition candidates were obstructed at some booths and reports of bogus voting emerged from several areas.
Former TTAADC Chief Executive Member and senior CPI(M) leader Radhacharan Debbarma alleged that polling agents representing opposition candidates were prevented from entering polling stations in parts of West Tripura district, including Jirania and Mandai, as well as in some areas of Sepahijala district.
He also alleged that opposition candidates had faced difficulties during the nomination process, claiming that they were denied an opportunity to submit nomination papers in certain constituencies.
Debbarma further raised allegations of “chappa” or bogus voting at some polling stations, saying reports of such malpractice had surfaced during the early hours of polling.
At the same time, he said voting in several other areas was proceeding without major disruption by around 10.30 am.
The allegations could not be independently verified immediately. There was no immediate official confirmation or denial from the State Election Commission regarding the specific incidents cited by the CPI(M).
Polling for the long-awaited Village Committee elections began on Monday across the TTAADC areas, with voting being conducted through ballot papers. The election covers 587 Village Committees, 2,634 constituencies and 4,597 seats, according to the election schedule announced by the State Election Commission. Nearly 9.62 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise.
The elections are being held amid heightened political activity in the tribal-majority areas of the state, with major political parties fielding candidates across the constituencies.
The CPI(M) has raised concerns over the conduct of the electoral process, while allegations of intimidation and obstruction have been part of the political discourse surrounding the polls.
The State Election Commission and security agencies have deployed personnel across polling stations to maintain law and order and facilitate peaceful voting.
With polling continuing, attention is expected to remain focused on the conduct of the process, the functioning of polling stations and any complaints received by the election authorities.
The counting of votes is scheduled for October 5, according to the election calendar announced by the State Election Commission.
