Opposition leaders in Tripura have accused election authorities of using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) without Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units, allegedly brought from Madhya Pradesh, despite the availability of ample machines in the state. The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) with 30 members, including 28 elected representatives and two state government nominees, is set for polls on April 12.
During an all-party meeting, Left parties, Congress, and others, except the BJP, demanded the use of EVMs with VVPAT, but the State Election Commissioner rejected the request. The Left Front Committee convenor criticized the SEC for denying the demand for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployment for the upcoming polls, alleging a political bias in the Commission’s actions.
Allegations were raised against the Tribal Welfare Minister for stating that votes would favor the BJP regardless of the button pressed, with a complaint filed but no action taken by the SEC. The demand for webcasting voting proceedings was dismissed by the SEC citing fund constraints, a decision criticized for lacking transparency in the balloting process.
The Left Front leader further accused parties of openly distributing money and freebies to voters without repercussions from the SEC, while also claiming inadequate measures by the Election Commission of India for ensuring fairness in the Dharmanagar by-election. The bypoll, following the demise of MLA Biswa Bandhu Sen, will see candidates from various parties vying for the Dharmanagar Assembly seat.
