CPI (M) seeks re-poll in alleged booth capture cases during Tripura Village Committee elections

The opposition CPI (M) on Monday alleged widespread irregularities, intimidation of voters and booth capturing during the Village Committee elections in Tripura's tribal areas, and demanded re-polling in all affected polling stations.

In a press statement issued by the CPI (M) Tripura state secretariat, the party claimed that the ruling BJP-led alliance had earlier ensured the election of a large number of candidates unopposed by preventing opposition nominees from contesting during the nomination process.

The party, however, congratulated voters for overcoming what it described as numerous obstacles and exercising their democratic rights by participating in the polling.

According to the statement, reports of violence and intimidation surfaced from several polling stations during the day. The CPI (M) alleged that BJP and Tipra-Motha supporters prevented opposition polling agents and candidates from entering polling booths, physically assaulted party workers in some places and intimidated voters both at their homes and on their way to polling stations in an attempt to discourage them from voting.

The party further alleged that supporters of the ruling alliance forcibly entered polling stations in several locations and cast bogus votes, describing such incidents as "undemocratic" and an attempt to turn the election into a farce.

Despite these alleged attempts, the CPI (M) claimed that voters exercised their franchise in large numbers, resisting intimidation and safeguarding the democratic process.

The party said it had already lodged complaints with the State Election Commission (SEC) regarding incidents of alleged bogus voting, booth capturing and violence, and demanded re-polling in all polling stations where such irregularities were reported.

The Village Committee (VC) elections were held across the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) on Monday under tight security. The CPI (M) reiterated that the State Election Commission must order fresh polling in all affected booths to ensure a free and fair electoral process.