Dharmanagar set for by-poll counting on May 4

 Counting of votes for the by-election to the 56-Dharmanagar Dharmanagar Assembly Constituency is scheduled to be held on May 4.

The counting of votes will take place at the PM SHRI Dharmanagar Government Girls Higher Secondary School, starting from 8:00 AM.

All necessary arrangements, including security measures, have already been put in place for a smooth counting process.

The by-poll recorded an impressive 80.04 percent voter turnout on April 9 last. There were allegations of irregularities, intimidation, and tension at several polling stations.

Opposition parties had raised concerns; Congress candidate Chayan Bhattacharjee questioned a sudden surge in voting towards the end of polling and alleged that party agents were forcibly removed from booths. CPI(M) candidate Amitabha Dutta echoed similar complaints, claiming Left polling agents were expelled and accusing authorities of failing to ensure adequate security. BJP candidate Jahar Chakraborty welcomed the people's participation in the festival of democracy.

At a press briefing, the BJP claimed that the election was conducted peacefully and expressed certainty of victory for the party.

Polling was held across 55 booths under strict security. A total of 46,142 voters, including 23,758 women, were eligible to decide the fate of six candidates representing BJP, Congress, CPI(M)-led Left Front, Amra Bangali, SUCI, and an Independent. 

The by-election was necessitated by the passing of sitting MLA and Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen in December 2025.

To ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the counting process, the District Magistrate and District Election Officer of North Tripura has imposed certain restrictions within a 100-metre radius of the counting centre under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

According to the official order, the restrictions will come into force from 6:00 AM on May 4, 2026, and will remain effective until the completion of the counting process.

The administration has warned that anyone found violating the order will face punitive action under Section 223 of BNSS, 2023.