The election commission announced on Tuesday that the polling in Tripura(East) will be postponed from April 18 to April 23 saying that the prevailing law and order situation there was not conducive for holding free and fair polls.
The returning officer had feared that "miscreant elements" may thwart the polling process in the constituency. Based on the ground and intelligence reports, he had requested for additional central police forces. He quoted saying "Everyone saw what happened during polling on April 11." He also said that he traveled to different districts and saw videos where activities which are against rules of election commission of India were seen.
Tripura Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sriram Taranikanti said that they have forwarded those details to the election commission and are hoping to develop law and order situation conducive for holding the elections on April 23.
Elections for the first phase were held on April 11, Congress and CPI demanded re-polling in 460 polling stations on the ground of rigging.
Tripura Congress president Pradyot Kishore Debburman welcomed the Election Commission's decision.
He quoted saying" Election was blatantly rigged at West Tripura Lok Sabha elections on April 11. Tripura Congress leaders along with All India Congress Committee legal team complained with the Election Commission about it. The elections were not free and fair. We welcome the decision of Election Commission Of India.
The Election Commission has postponed by five days polling in the Tripura East (ST) seat amid fears of rigging and allegations of violence in the BJP-ruled state.
