Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming by-election in the 56-Dharmanagar Assembly Constituency of Tripura’s North District, scheduled for April 9. Polling personnel have started moving to their designated stations under strict security arrangements.

The by-election was necessitated following the passing of MLA and Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen. Six candidates are contesting for the seat.

Returning Officer Debjani Chowdhury stated that the dispatch of polling teams is currently in progress. To streamline the process, authorities have set up help desks and dedicated counters to assist personnel. Special arrangements include 11 model polling stations and 11 polling stations managed entirely by women, with pink-themed counters for ease of identification. First aid kits have also been distributed, along with all required voting materials and mobile deposit boxes.

District Election Officer and District Magistrate Chandni Chandran informed that the dispersal centre has been established at Dharmanagar Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School. Polling teams began leaving from 8:00 AM, with more than 14 teams already dispatched earlier in the day.

She expressed confidence that the entire deployment process would be completed by the afternoon. Polling teams have also been tasked with managing CCTV surveillance at their respective booths. Authorities have urged all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and fair election. Considering a cyclone warning, precautionary measures have been taken, and forces such as the Tripura State Rifles and SDRF have been kept on alert.

Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai highlighted that security arrangements are robust, with 55 polling stations in total. Of these, 44 have already completed the dispatch process. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), along with Tripura State Rifles and local police personnel, have been deployed across all polling stations.

He reassured that the situation remains calm and encouraged voters to participate actively in the electoral process.