Agartala (Tripura): CPI(M) state secretary Gautam Das on Tuesday demanded fresh polls in 65 booths under 11 constituencies of TTAADC. According to the party, large-scale rigging and manipulation of the poll process had been reported in these booths.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, CPIM state secretary, Gautam Das said, "we are demanding fresh elections or re-polls in 65 booths under 11 constituencies where miscreants vitiated the entire poll process. These are according to the preliminary reports that we have got from our local level leaders and the count may rise once we get all the details in hand. Reports are still coming from various parts of the state as the polls are continuing".
According to him, voters were prevented from going to polling stations, polling agents were assaulted, and in some parts the BJP-IPFT goons captured the booths where they were seeking a re-poll.
Also read: Polling booths capture foiled in Tripura tribal council polls
Das also lauded the role of the public and said, "people have shown courage and stood against the violent attempts of vitiating the poll process. In most constituencies, majority of the people cast votes ignoring the threats and intimidations posed by ruling BJP-IPFT goons".
Accusing the police of playing the role of silent spectator and SEC for not making less than enough arrangements, Das said, "goons of BJP-IPFT riding motorcycles and cars, mostly outsiders, penetrated inside the TTAADC areas. The miscreants triggered serious disturbances and tension but in face of the strong public opinion for casting their votes, their tactics of threat and intimidation fell flat".
He said election agents and polling agents of their party had also been assaulted at several booths. "Jahar Debnath, election agent of CPIM candidate Parikshit Murasingh was assaulted when he was about to reach his booth to cast his vote. His family members including his father an 87-year-old elderly person also sustained injuries", Das pointed out adding that numerous incidents where polling agents were attacked had been reported so far.
"A written complaint mentioning all the incidents had been sent to IGP GS Rao to look after. The SEC was also informed of the attacks", he said.
Apart from that, reports of booth capturing and rigging have been reported in many areas. "The SEC has been approached for fresh polls by the party in 65 out 1244 booths only for now. After we get all the reports, fresh demands would be made from our end", Das added.
Former Chief Executive Member of the TTAADC, Radhacharan Debbarma said, "it has been crystal clear that elections were attempted to be turned farce by the ruling alliance. In areas where many people live outside the state, 100 percent casting of votes had been shown. It reflected the level of unfair tactics the miscreants had resorted to". According to Debbarma, these booths were spread in Jampuijala-Takarajala and Jirania constituencies.
Also read: BJP-IPFT alliance will sweep ADC seats: Tripura CM
Replying to a question regarding TIPRA Motha, Left Front Convenor Bijan Dhar said, "he was happy that people had cast votes despite the terrifying situation and most of the violent attacks were caused by the ruling alliance". He had also said that it would take a stand as per the moral standing of the party if any party including TIPRA Motha required its support to form the council.
