TTAADC: Polling underway amid tight security, clash at Boxanagar

Agartala, April 12:  Polling for the 28 seats of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) began at 7 am on Sunday amid tight security arrangements across the state. By 1 pm, officials reported an encouraging voter turnout of nearly 65 percent, reflecting the enthusiasm of the electorate despite sporadic incidents of unrest.

The overall polling remained peaceful so far except some sporadic incidents. EVM malfunctioning was reported in some booths while a clash between BJP-Tipra Motha was reported from Boxanagar.

A total of 173 candidates are contesting the polls, representing major political parties including the BJP, CPI(M), Congress, Tipra Motha, and IPFT. Election officials confirmed that 9,62,547 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 1,257 polling stations set up across the council areas.

Security has been intensified, particularly in sensitive locations. Authorities carried out area domination exercises and flag marches in the run-up to polling, while 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed to ensure law and order. Officials expressed confidence that voting would be conducted in a free and fair manner.

Despite the elaborate security cover, several incidents marred the otherwise peaceful polling. In South Taibandal, a voter named Bhanumati Tripura alleged that her ballot was cast by someone else, prompting Tipra Motha to accuse rivals of conspiracy. In Boxanagar’s Veluarchar area, bombs were reportedly hurled outside a polling station, forcing security personnel into swift action.

Clashes between BJP and Tipra Motha supporters broke out at polling station number 42 in Kulai Champahaor, leading to the deployment of additional forces. At Jaharjala Senior Basic School in Dayal Para under Sepahijala district, Tipra Motha supporters alleged that BJP MLA Tofazzal Hossain was present at the booth with his supporters. At least six bombs were said to have been hurled nearby, sparking panic among voters and residents.

Polling was delayed at several booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs. At Bodhjungnagar’s Wakinagar centre, voting at booth number 27 began half an hour late after technical issues, leaving voters frustrated as they waited in long queues.

Tipra Motha’s candidate Runiel Debbarma cast his vote at Kumari Bil JB School, declaring that his party was assured of “100 percent victory.” 

Another Tipra Motha candidate, Rabindra Debbarma, exercised his franchise at Sonai Bazar English Medium School. BJP General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, contesting from Demchhara-Kachuchhara, voted at Dinabandhu Para JB School. 

Independent candidate Sanjib Debbarma cast his ballot at Nishan Chowdhury Para Senior Basic School, telling reporters that polling was “peaceful” in his constituency.

Amid the tension, heartwarming scenes were also witnessed. In Mandai, a 70-year-old woman was carried to the polling station so she could cast her vote, symbolizing the determination of citizens to participate in the democratic process.

While voting in several constituencies remained peaceful, incidents of violence and allegations of malpractice have raised concerns about the integrity of the process. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with reinforcements deployed wherever necessary.

The outcome of these elections will be crucial for tribal self-governance in Tripura, as the TTAADC plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and administration in the tribal areas of the state.