The counting of votes for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections was marked by tension, protests and road blockades at several counting centres across the state on Monday, even as the TIPRA Motha Party established a decisive lead over its rivals.
According to the State Election Commission, results for 3,470 of the total 4,594 Village Committee seats had been declared by 6 pm. TIPRA Motha had won 2,803 seats, emerging as the dominant force in the polls. The BJP followed with 508 seats, while Independents secured 93. The CPI(M) won 40 seats, the IPFT 16 and the Congress 10.
Polling for 587 Village Committees was conducted on September 28, with an estimated voter turnout of around 81 per cent. Elections were held for 2,950 seats, while the remaining seats were decided uncontested.
Counting began at 8 am amid tight security arrangements. State Election Commission Secretary Anugra Sen said disturbances were reported at a few locations, resulting in delays, but the situation was brought under control with the intervention of the police and civil administration.
“Counting started at 8 am and in some places problems were created, leading to delays. The situation was resolved by the police and civil administration. Some incidents occurred, but we have not received any complaint from any political party,” Sen said.
In Sepahijala district, tension was reported at Poly Bari Class XII English Medium School in Kathalia block, where counting was underway. Local reports alleged that TIPRA Motha supporters blocked roads approaching the centre, creating difficulties for supporters of rival parties as well as counting personnel.
The situation led opposition leaders to stage a protest outside Jatrapur police station. Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma was present in the area as security forces maintained vigil.
In Dhalai's Salema block, another confrontation was reported at Maharani. CPI(M) supporters allegedly blocked the road, claiming that their counting agents had been prevented from entering the Maharani High School counting centre. The party further alleged that some of its agents were removed from the premises and their identity cards were taken away.
Tension also surfaced in Khowai district outside Bharat Sardar Vidyalaya, the counting venue for Tulashikhar Rural Development Block. Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel reportedly used lathis to disperse a crowd after some people allegedly attempted to cross security barricades and move towards the counting centre.
Local reports said around 10 to 12 people, including women, were injured during the incident and were taken to Khowai District Hospital. Their condition was not immediately available.
Despite the incidents, counting continued at the centres under enhanced security. Police and civil administration officials remained deployed at sensitive locations to prevent further escalation and ensure that the counting process proceeded without disruption.
