Elections to 28 seats of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) began in 1,257 polling stations across eight districts of the state amidst heightened security on Sunday, officials said. Voters were seen queuing in front of polling booths since 7am to exercise their democratic rights amidst a security blanket thrown in the entire poll bound areas of the state to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.
Security forces, including state police and central forces, have been deployed strategically across sensitive locations. Apart from the unprecedented deployment of paramilitary forces, one IG and two DIGs have been deputed for six districts to supervise the security measures to ensure peace during the elections. The electoral battle will be multi-cornered with the candidates from all the major political parties- BJP, Tripura Motha Party (TMP), CPI (M) and Congress contesting the elections. As many as 9, 62,697 electors will decide the fate of 173 candidates of different political parties in the elections. Counting of vote is scheduled for April 17.
Meanwhile, the administration has urged voters to participate in the democratic process and cast their votes peacefully. “I humbly appeal to all voters of TTAADC to exercise their democratic rights and cast their valuable votes. Let us all come together to be a part of a Vikshit TTAADC and shape a brighter, stronger future for our Janajati brothers and sisters,” Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha appealed to voters on Sunday morning.
