Counting of polls underway in a smooth manner: Tripura CEO

Agartala: Puneet Agarwal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tripura, announced on Tuesday that the entire vote-counting process is proceeding smoothly.

He encouraged political parties to file specific complaints if they encountered any issues, assuring them that his office was ready to take appropriate action.

After conducting an inspection of the counting halls at Umakanta Academy, located in the West Parliamentary Constituency, CEO Agarwal noted that counting agents from various political parties, along with Election Commission of India (ECI) observers, are monitoring the process.

“Both EVM and postal ballot counting are progressing without any disruptions. Representatives from different political parties are present, alongside ECI-appointed observers, ensuring transparency in the counting process. We are also updating the results on various ECI websites. While EVM counting has concluded in some centres and is in the final stages in others, we will proceed with the mandatory counting of five VVPATs once this is completed. Meanwhile, postal ballot counting continues,” Agarwal told reporters.

Addressing allegations by INDI bloc candidate Asish Kumar Saha about ruling BJP workers obstructing counting agents, the CEO responded, “We have requested opposition parties to submit detailed complaints, including specific names, counting halls, and hall numbers, as well as the identities of those issuing threats, so we can take the necessary actions.”