Tripura: TTAADC elections record 78% turnout by 3 pm despite sporadic clashes
Agartala: Elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) were underway across the state on Sunday, with a high voter turnout recorded amid reports of sporadic violence and isolated incidents of EVM malfunctioning.
Polling, which began at 7 am, witnessed enthusiastic participation, with voter turnout reaching nearly 78 per cent by 3 pm. Officials said voting was largely peaceful, even as security was tightened across district council areas, with senior police officers monitoring polling stations to ensure smooth conduct.
However, reports from several pockets indicated disruptions. Voters in some areas complained of delays due to malfunctioning electronic voting machines (EVMs), while political parties alleged irregularities at certain booths.
Tension escalated in the Veluarchar area of Boxanagar in Sepahijala district, where miscreants allegedly hurled crude bombs near a polling station. Additional security forces were rushed to the spot to contain the situation. Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma said the situation was brought under control swiftly.
“On being informed about the tension, we reached the spot and dispersed those attempting to create trouble. Otherwise, polling has been largely peaceful across the district,” he said, adding that he had been personally visiting sensitive areas.
Leaders from both the CPI(M) and the BJP alleged that their polling agents were forcibly removed from certain booths, prompting them to seek intervention from the election authorities. Incidents of confrontation were also reported between BJP and Tipra Motha workers in parts of the state, including Lalchari under the Kulai-Champahour constituency.
In several polling stations across Bodhjungnagar-Wakinagar, Takarjala-Jampuijala, Ramchandraghat, and Shilachari-Manu-Bankul constituencies, voting was temporarily suspended due to EVM glitches. Officials, however, said that prompt action was taken to restore polling.
The ruling BJP candidate from Mandai constituency also reportedly faced resistance from locals while visiting polling stations, with his vehicle allegedly targeted with stones.
Meanwhile, Tipra Motha leaders accused BJP legislators of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), including an allegation that an MLA entered restricted TTAADC areas during polling, triggering a heated exchange between rival supporters.
Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, who cast his vote at a polling station under the Mandai constituency, expressed optimism about voter participation.
“Tripura has always recorded impressive voter turnout, and the early trends suggest participation will remain high,” he said, while condemning incidents of violence reported from parts of the state.
He also said the party had lodged complaints with the State Election Commission regarding various issues during polling and would provide a detailed account after the process concludes.
Former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of TTAADC and CPI(M) leader Radhacharan Debbarma claimed that polling agents of his party faced intimidation and were expelled from several booths, particularly in constituencies such as Takarjala, Mandai, Pulipur, and Jirania.
Senior BJP leader and Minister Ratan Lal Nath also alleged that party workers encountered disruptions in certain areas, including incidents of vandalism targeting a candidate’s vehicle.
An election official, however, downplayed concerns over EVM malfunctioning, stating that no major issues had been reported. “Wherever complaints were received, they were addressed promptly. Minor glitches may have occurred, but polling has not been significantly affected,” the official said.
Despite isolated disturbances, authorities maintained that polling across the TTAADC areas remained largely peaceful, with a strong voter turnout expected by the end of the day.