The ruling BJP candidate Jahar Chakraborti is ahead in the Dharmanagar Assembly bypoll, leading by approximately 18,300 votes over CPI(M)’s Amitabha Datta. The bye-election took place on April 9, with the counting ongoing at the North Tripura district headquarters amidst tight security. Chakraborti has a significant lead over both Datta and Congress candidate Chayan Bhattacharya, securing 24,291 votes after the second round of counting.
Election officials mentioned that the counting process started at 8 A.M. on Monday with stringent security measures in place. The votes are being counted in four rounds at the North Tripura district headquarters in Dharmanagar, with postal ballots counted first followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Each counting table is supervised by a counting supervisor and assistants, with central observers overseeing the process.
The results of the Dharmanagar Assembly bypoll are anticipated to be announced by Monday afternoon. A three-tier security arrangement has been implemented ahead of the vote counting, with the deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Tripura State Rifles, and state police personnel. Prohibitory orders have been enforced to ensure peaceful vote counting within a 100-meter radius of the counting center.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Ratiranjan Debnath highlighted the security measures in place for the bypoll to the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency. The election was necessitated by the passing of sitting MLA and Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen, who had represented the constituency multiple times. The electoral battle features candidates from major political parties, smaller groups, and an Independent candidate, making it a highly competitive contest.
