Tripura ADC Elections Witness High Turnout Amidst Reports of Violence
Elections for the 28-member Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) concluded on Sunday with an impressive 83% voter turnout recorded until 10 PM. While the polling process was largely peaceful across the state, sporadic incidents of violence and electoral misconduct were reported in specific constituencies within the Sepahijala, Gomati, and West Tripura districts, casting a shadow over the democratic exercise.
Violence and Allegations Mar Polling in Key Districts
The State Election Commission (SEC) has sought detailed reports from returning officers and observers stationed in three constituencies of Sepahijala district following reports of violence. One of the most alarming incidents involved the alleged detonation of a bomb near a polling station in Sepahijala, which prompted immediate scrutiny from election authorities.
In a significant development, BJP MLA Tofazzal Hossain from Boxanagar was accused of causing panic in the Dayalpara area of Sepahijala. He allegedly tossed six bombs and opened fire near a polling station, resulting in injuries to Abhiram Debbarma, a supporter of the Tipra Motha party. This incident highlighted the tense atmosphere in certain pockets of the district.
Further allegations of electoral misconduct emerged from BJP candidate Nirmal Debbarma at Takarjala in Sepahijala. He claimed widespread voter intimidation and malpractice, stating, "I have to cast my vote under the CAPF security cover. Several BJP leaders and I haven’t been able to stay in our areas for the last two days because of attacks and intimidation from Motha workers." His statement underscored the security challenges faced by candidates during the polling process.
Tensions Escalate with Arrests and Accusations
In Gomati district, tensions rose when Devid Murasingh, a Tipra Motha leader and candidate from Kathalia-Mirja, was placed under house arrest. This action followed accusations of him making inflammatory statements in a video message, where he allegedly targeted BJP MLA Abhishekh Debroy and claimed voter manipulation. The arrest added to the political friction observed during the elections.
Meanwhile, power minister Ratan Lal Nath alleged that BJP polling agents were prevented from entering multiple booths in Simna, Bodhjungnagar, and Mandai constituencies in West Tripura due to threats from Tipra Motha cadres. Both the BJP and CPM raised concerns about Tipra Motha workers denying their polling agents access to several booths and blocking many supporters from casting their votes, pointing to organized attempts at electoral interference.
Political Parties Acknowledge Peaceful Polling Despite Incidents
BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee reported attacks on BJP workers, candidates, and polling agents in various places across Sepahijala and West Tripura districts. However, he noted, "Since morning there were instigations and attempts, but police managed well and polling completed with much disturbance so far." Despite these issues, both the BJP and Tipra Motha refrained from requesting a re-poll, indicating a general acceptance of the overall polling process.
Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman emphasized that the elections were mostly peaceful. Addressing reports of violence, Pradyot acknowledged some clashes but insisted those incidents were not linked to his party, attempting to distance the organization from the turmoil.
State Election Commission Responds with Re-Poll Order
SEC secretary Anurag Sen stated that despite unrest in certain areas, voting went smoothly across Khowai, Dhalai, Unakoti, North Tripura, South Tripura, and much of Gomati district. However, the commission has ordered a re-poll in a polling station of Jampuijala following allegations of rigging, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
The high voter turnout of 83% reflects strong public participation in the ADC elections, which are crucial for tribal governance in Tripura. While the sporadic violence and allegations have raised concerns, the overall peaceful conduct and the SEC's proactive measures highlight the resilience of the electoral process in the region.
