Tight security in place as Tripura gears up for high-voltage TTAADC polls on Sunday

Amid heightened security arrangements, Tripura is fully prepared for the crucial elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) scheduled for Sunday. Polling personnel, along with security forces, have already been deployed across all 1,257 polling stations in 28 constituencies to ensure smooth and peaceful voting.

Given the volatile political atmosphere and recent clashes among rival parties, the State Election Commission (SEC) and law enforcement agencies have intensified measures to prevent any untoward incidents. Authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and violence-free manner.

The campaign period witnessed high political tension, with major parties including BJP, Tipra Motha Party (TMP), CPI(M), and Congress engaging in aggressive canvassing. Reports of clashes, particularly between BJP and TMP supporters, have raised concerns ahead of polling. Sources indicated that some BJP candidates have temporarily relocated to safer places following alleged attacks, including an incident involving the Takarjala-Jampuijala constituency candidate.

SEC Secretary Anurag Sen confirmed that all preparations have been completed, and polling teams were dispatched on Saturday with necessary election materials. A total of 9,62,547 voters are eligible to cast their votes and determine the fate of 173 candidates in this significant electoral contest.

Highlighting the security arrangements, Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar stated that over 13,500 security personnel, including central and state forces, have been deployed across the state. This includes 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising around 1,500 personnel. Among them, 12 companies are from the Border Security Force (BSF), 10 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and two from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

In addition, approximately 12,000 personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and state police will be on duty to maintain law and order. Area domination exercises and flag marches are being conducted in sensitive tribal regions to instill confidence among voters.

Out of the total polling stations, 311 have been identified as highly critical, 693 as vulnerable, and 253 as normal, reflecting the need for heightened vigilance.

The 30-member TTAADC, comprising 28 elected representatives and two nominated members, governs nearly 70 percent of Tripura’s geographical area, making the elections strategically significant.

Appealing to voters, DGP Dhankar urged citizens to participate in the democratic process without fear and cooperate with authorities to uphold peace and order during the elections.