The state administration has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure free and fair Panchayat polls, according to West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar. In a press briefing on Friday, Dr. Kumar detailed that central paramilitary forces would be deployed to uphold law and order. The state police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) will manage security within polling stations, while the central forces will patrol the external areas.
The upcoming three-tier Panchayat elections are scheduled to occur in 91 village panchayats across five blocks in West Tripura. Additionally, the elections will cover 65 panchayat samitis and 17 Zilla Parishads. Dr. Kumar reported that a total of 2,18,362 voters are eligible to participate, comprising 1,10,073 male voters, 1,08,285 female voters, and four voters in other categories.
Nomination papers for the elections can be submitted until Thursday, July 18, at the District Election Officer’s office for Zilla Parishad positions and at the respective Returning Officer’s (BDO) office for Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Samiti positions. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on Friday, July 19, with the final date for withdrawal of nominations set for Monday, July 22.
Dr. Kumar highlighted that there are 451 polling stations in the district, all of which will be equipped with essential facilities such as drinking water, electricity, seating arrangements, and shelters for voters. The mobile number of the concerned Returning Officer (BDO) will be made public to allow voters to lodge complaints. A control room will also be established in the office of the West Tripura District Magistrate, and vote counting will commence at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 12.
Dr. Kumar called on all political parties, voters, and the general public to ensure the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully. Acting Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma assured that adequate security measures are in place, noting that 13 of the 491 polling stations in West Tripura are classified as highly sensitive and 114 as sensitive. TSR jawans and Tripura Police personnel will provide security inside polling stations, while central paramilitary forces will manage law and order outside.
Additional District Magistrate Sajal Biswas, District Panchayat Officer Nilotpal Debbarma, and Deputy Collector Naba Kumar Jamatia were also present at the press conference. The authorities emphasized that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights peacefully during the elections.
