Tripura TTAADC Village Committee elections saw CPI(M) allegations of fake voting, polling agent obstruction and irregularities in several areas, including Jirania, Mandai and Sepahijala, as voting continued across 587 Village Committees.
Voting for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections was underway on Monday amid allegations of irregularities, fake voting and obstruction of opposition polling agents raised by the CPI(M).
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 some areas. According to Debbarma, such incidents were reported from parts of West Tripura district, including Jirania and Mandai, as well as from certain areas of Sepahijala district.
Debbarma also alleged that opposition candidates had faced difficulties during the nomination process. He claimed that candidates in some constituencies were allegedly prevented from submitting their nomination papers, raising concerns within the party about the conduct of the electoral process.
Another major allegation raised by the CPI(M) concerned “chappa” or fake voting. Debbarma claimed that reports of suspected fake voting had emerged from several polling stations during the early hours of voting. He, however, said that polling in a number of other areas was proceeding without major disruption by around 10:30 a.m.
The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of reporting. There was also no immediate official confirmation or denial from the Election Commission regarding the specific incidents or polling stations mentioned by the CPI(M).
The TTAADC Village Committee elections are being conducted across 587 Village Committees, involving 4,597 seats in 2,634 constituencies. Nearly 9.62 lakh voters are eligible to participate in the elections. Unlike elections conducted using electronic voting machines, voting in the Village Committee polls is being carried out through ballot papers.
The CPI(M) has repeatedly raised concerns over the political environment surrounding the elections and alleged difficulties for opposition candidates and representatives. The ruling alliance, however, has rejected allegations of intimidation and other electoral malpractice.
The allegations come as polling continues across the tribal council areas, with political parties closely monitoring the voting process. Any complaints concerning polling arrangements, entry of authorised polling agents or alleged malpractice would require verification by the competent election authorities.
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As voting progresses, the conduct of polling stations and the handling of complaints are expected to remain under close observation. The final assessment of the allegations will depend on official reports, election authorities’ findings and any subsequent action taken in response to complaints.
