NEW DELHI / AGARTALA, May 12 (TIWN): Re-Poll has been started in West Tripura constituency’s 168 polling booths on Sunday morning 7 am. Polling will be continued till 5 pm. The assembly segments in Tripura West include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia. Since early morning rows of voters were observed before polling stations.

The re-election was followed by massive rigging in West Tripura poll on April 11. Even though the oppositions are not satisfied with the declaration as they demanded a fresh re-poll in the whole constituency, but all parties have given polling agents whereas threats were given to opposition polling agents over phone by the ruling BJP. In some cases FIRs have been lodged.During night hours in some areas attacking incidents were alleged. 

Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appointed May 12 at the date and fix hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll.

The ECI directed the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll”.

West Tripura Election was rigged by BJP MP candidate Pratima Bhowmik who was seen in a viral video threatening an IPS officer when he disrupted BJP’s nightmare attacks on people. Also various leaders including MLA Ram Prasad Paul was seen warning police officers to go away from the polling stations.

On 11^th April since 8.30 am, BJP started massive booth capturing, polling agents were beaten who attended poll process from the opposition followed by 100% booth capturing.

Lakhs of voters could not cast their votes and prevention of voters are viral across social media. The oppositions however have filed petition to Supreme Court for total re-poll.

On yesterday, special observer of Election Commission Vinod Zutshi arrived in Tripura to ensure peaceful election. Earlier Zutshi conducted a peaceful election in deferred East Tripura poll on 23^rd April.