AGARTALA, Feb 18 (TIWN): Democracy’s real test in progress after thousands of campaigning led by various political parties finally culminated on the polling day since morning queues gathered before the polling stations across Tripura’s 59 constituencies. The ‘Janta-Janardan’ or better known as ‘Gana-Devta’ have been casting votes to their favourite candidates. However due to malfunctioning of EVMs, the poll was delayed in few constituencies, but the spirit of the voters couldn’t meet any pause. After all it’s a contest between ruling CPI-M and opposition BJP who are holding 50-50 chances. Now only one question which matters to all is "Who will win the Election ? BJP or CPI-M?”

The last report gathered from all constituencies says that no untoward incident happened anywhere but Congress, Trinamool activists almost remained inactive since morning whereas BJP and CPI-M are in full active mode during the polling. 

Tripura’s 20 years long sitting Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has cast his vote at Shishu Bihar school today morning at 9.45 AM. Being asked by media, like every year the Chief Minister avoided to comment anything and advised all to be disciplined and to go inside. Against each questions raised by media, Sarkar replied with ‘smiles’. CM has cast his vote for Ramnagar constituency of Agartala, was accompanying by wife Panchali Bhattacharjee.

CM’s rival BJP State President Biplab Deb wasn’t much media-shy and said that this will be a ‘historical’ poll.  “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah ji both have called me to wish good-luck”, added Biplab Deb at Udaipur English medium school.

"Men and women in large numbers queued up in front of many polling stations well before polling opened at 7 a.m. in the entire state. Polling to be end at 4 p.m.," said Sriram Taranikanti, the Chief Electoral Officer.

In all, 2,536,589 people, including 1,250,128 women and 47,803 first-time voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 292 candidates, including 23 women and many independents.

"Apprehending troubles by some tribal outfit, a record 50,000 para-military and other state security personnel have been deployed while two air surveillance team led by senior officials are conducting surveillance by helicopters," the election official.