Tripura: Left Front dissatisfied with poll panel decisions for TTAADC polls
Agartala: The Left Front in Tripura on Friday expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by the State Election Commission (SEC) on key electoral issues, including the use of VVPAT, deployment of central forces, and web-casting arrangements, ahead of the upcoming TTAADC and Dharmanagar by-elections.
Addressing the media at the CPI(M) state headquarters, Left Front convenor Manik Dey said the responses given by the Commission during an all-party meeting held on April 1 had failed to address the concerns raised by opposition parties.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including the State Election Commissioner, the Director General of Police, and the Inspector General (Law and Order), was convened to review poll preparedness and address stakeholders’ apprehensions. However, Dey stated that the clarifications offered did not inspire confidence among opposition leaders.
One of the primary issues raised by the Left Front was the sourcing of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from outside the state.
Dey questioned the rationale behind bringing machines from Madhya Pradesh when EVMs previously used in Tripura were reportedly available, calling the move “unusual” and raising doubts over procedural consistency.
He also referred to a recent remark attributed to Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, saying it had triggered concerns over the integrity of the electoral process. Dey added that a formal complaint had been submitted to the Commission, but no information had been received regarding any action taken.
On the demand for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, the Left Front leader said the Commission had cited logistical constraints in declining the request. He reiterated that the use of VVPAT alongside EVMs is essential to ensure transparency and strengthen voter confidence, adding that the opposition disagreed with the Commission’s position on the matter.
Security arrangements also came under scrutiny, with the Left Front reiterating its demand for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). According to Dey, the Commission informed party representatives that such deployment would not be feasible.
He, however, argued that the Commission has the authority to requisition central forces and cited examples from other states to support the demand, stressing the need for neutral security arrangements.
Concerns were also raised regarding the functioning and access of polling agents. Dey said agents must be allowed to perform their duties without hindrance inside polling stations, adding that the Commission’s response on this issue was “unsatisfactory.”
The Left Front further alleged that opposition parties were encountering obstacles during campaign activities in certain areas and called for ensuring a level playing field for all contestants.
Another point of contention was the absence of web-casting facilities during polling. Dey said the Commission attributed this to financial limitations, a justification the Left Front rejected. He argued that ensuring adequate funding for measures that enhance electoral transparency is the responsibility of the state authorities.
Leaders of other constituent parties of the Left Front were also present at the press conference, endorsing the concerns raised and urging the Commission to take corrective steps to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.