Tripura Opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhary demands VVPAT-enabled EVMs for TTAADC elections and seeks legal action against Minister Bikash Debbarma over controversial remarks, raising concerns on electoral transparency, fairness, and democratic integrity.
Ahead of the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Leader of Opposition and state secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist), Jitendra Chaudhary, has written a formal letter to the State Election Commission (SEC), raising multiple concerns over electoral transparency and conduct.
In his letter, Chaudhary put forward three key demands, the foremost being the use of updated Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) equipped with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. He categorically stated that no EVM should be used without VVPAT in the TTAADC elections, emphasizing that all polling booths must be equipped with modern machines to ensure transparency and voter confidence.
Chaudhary’s concerns stem from recent First Level Checking (FLC) reports, which, according to him, indicate that authorities are planning to deploy older EVM units without VVPAT attachments. He argued that such a move could undermine public trust, especially in the backdrop of ongoing national debates over the reliability of electronic voting systems.
Referring to widespread concerns raised by experts, Chaudhary noted that several software engineers across the country have expressed apprehensions regarding the potential vulnerability of EVMs to tampering. While these claims remain contested, he stressed that the inclusion of VVPAT significantly enhances credibility, as it allows voters to verify their choices through a paper trail. He also pointed out that despite ongoing assembly elections in other states, the Election Commission of India should have sufficient updated machines with VVPAT units available.
In addition to technical concerns, Chaudhary demanded immediate legal action against Bikash Debbarma, a minister in the BJP-led state government. He accused the minister of making an “offensive and misleading” statement during an election rally held on March 28 at Bachaibari Community Hall in Khowai Sub-Division.
According to Chaudhary, Debbarma allegedly claimed that votes cast in favor of Tipra Motha Party would ultimately benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Opposition Leader described this remark as deeply problematic, asserting that it undermines democratic principles and disrespects the electoral process.
In his letter, Chaudhary urged the SEC to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the minister and impose a ban on his participation in further election campaigning. He described the statement as a “perversion” of democratic norms and an affront to both the Election Commission and the electorate.
Furthermore, Chaudhary requested the SEC to convene an all-party meeting to deliberate on the issues raised by the Left Front in its earlier submission dated March 24. He stressed that such discussions are essential to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
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The demands, Chaudhary said, are not politically motivated but are aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the election and ensuring that the final mandate genuinely reflects the will of the people in the TTAADC region.
With tensions rising and scrutiny intensifying, the State Election Commission is now expected to respond to these concerns as political stakeholders gear up for a crucial electoral contest in Tripura’s tribal council.
