Agartala/UNI: Ruling out all apprehensions of violence and poll rigging, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday in a television interview re-affirmed that all efforts would be made to keep the election process free, fair, and peaceful.

Without commenting on the allegations of massive rigging and manipulation of election in five major elections during five years rule of BJP in Tripura – 2019 Loksabha poll, three-tier panchayat elections, ADC election, urban local bodies election and by-elections to four assembly constituencies including his election in Bardowali, CM said, “I shall ask ECI to ensure the voting of everyone.”

The people of the state, especially the opposition parties have been apprehending violence, preventing voters on the roads and booths from being captured by the ruling party cadres.

The matter has also been taken up to ECI a number of times and got assurance of holding a model election this time to Tripura.

Adding to ECI’s assurance of free and fair elections, Dr Saha said, "I am planning to give a telephone number for public use during the election, especially on the day of polling. If someone is obstructed while going to vote it should immediately come to my attention and I shall ensure the fair voting."

"Neither my party nor me believe in violence and any sorts of unfair means in the election process. We want people to choose their candidate freely and democratically.

"I have no fear because I realise the feelings of people. They are comparing the five years rule of BJP with the 25 years rule of communists," Dr Saha added.

The Chief Minister appealed to the voters to go for voting without fear.