Tripura By Polls: Strict restrictions imposed ahead of Dharmanagar By-Election Vote Counting

With the high-stakes Dharmanagar Assembly by-election vote count set for May 4, alongside results from five states including West Bengal, the North Tripura district administration has moved to enforce prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 around the counting centre.

The order, issued by District Election Officer and Magistrate Chandni Chandran, IAS, will take effect from 6:00 AM on May 4 and remain in force until the completion of counting. It bans public gatherings, unauthorized vehicle movement, carrying of arms, and any activity that could disrupt law and order within a 100-metre radius of the counting centre for the 56-Dharmanagar constituency.

Authorities stressed that the restrictions are aimed at ensuring peaceful, transparent, and incident-free counting. Exemptions have been granted to election officials, security forces, magistrates, emergency service providers, and other authorized personnel.

The administration has directed wide publicity of the order through loudspeakers and local media to keep citizens informed. Copies have also been circulated to the Election Commission of Tripura, Home Department, Superintendent of Police, ICA Department, and other agencies.

Officials warned that violations will invite punishment under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023. With Dharmanagar’s results to be declared simultaneously with assembly outcomes in five states, the constituency is expected to draw intense political attention, making the security clampdown a crucial step in safeguarding the process.