With voting underway on Monday for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections , the CPI(M) has levelled serious allegations of irregularities, claiming that opposition candidates and their polling agents faced obstruction and that instances of bogus voting were reported in several areas.

Former TTAADC Chief Executive Member and senior CPI(M) leader Radhacharan Debbarma alleged that polling agents representing opposition candidates were prevented from entering polling stations in parts of West Tripura district, including Jirania and Mandai, as well as in sections of Sepahijala district. He further claimed that difficulties had arisen even during the nomination process, with opposition candidates allegedly being denied the opportunity to file papers in certain constituencies.

Debbarma also raised concerns about “chappa” or fake voting, stating that reports of such malpractice had surfaced from different polling stations during the early hours of voting. He noted, however, that by around 10:30 a.m., polling in several other areas was proceeding without major disruption.

However, the CPI(M)’s allegations could not be independently verified at the time of reporting. No official confirmation or denial from the Election Commission regarding specific polling stations was immediately available.

The elections are being conducted across 587 Village Committees, covering 4,597 seats in 2,634 constituencies. Voting is taking place through ballot papers rather than EVMs, with nearly 9.62 lakh voters eligible to cast their ballots.

The allegations come amid heightened political activity in Tripura, with parties intensifying campaigns in the run‑up to the polls. CPI(M) has repeatedly expressed concern over the political environment, while the ruling alliance has dismissed charges of intimidation.

Meanwhile, observers note that the reported irregularities are likely to draw further attention to the security of polling stations, the role of election officials, and the broader question of maintaining free and fair elections in the state.