AGARTALA, April 12 (TIWN): CPI-M in Tripura today has launched a massive protest here in Agartala on Friday demanding re-polling of 464 booths as the election was rigged, booths were captured and polling agents of the opposition were removed along with not allowing voters to cast votes, forcing voters to vote on “Lotus”. The protest rally was aimed for re-polling for which already the CPI-M has asked the Central Election Commission. Addressing media, CPI-M leader Pabitra Kar said, “The overall incident took place under Chief Minister Biplab Deb’s order led by police and CEO who is appointed in Tripura under Election Commission. Our demand is re-polling in 464 booths”. Pabitra Kar also said, “On yesterday at night 11.30 pm we went to CEO Sriram Taranikanti and asked where were the security forces during election ? Across the roads there was no paramilitary force whereas today more than rally participants numbers forces have been given to protect our rally. Where were these security personnel on yesterday ? He promised us before that all securities will be given to protect us, but no security was given. Thus, in support of re-election, we have organized the protest”. The rally was added by a mass gathering at the Paradise Chowmuhani.

At least 464 booths were captured in Tripura during Lok Sabha Election’s first phase on Thursday.

CPI-M has demanded re-polling in each booth.CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury  reacting over the pollo violence said, “We already informed the EC about the sensitive areas of polling but booth-capturing has surprised us. So, let the Election Commission take its own decision but we demand re-polling in those booths which were captured”.

Congress also in Tripura has demanded re-polling after dismissing of two officers : CEO Sriram Taranikanti and DGP A K Sukla.