Tripura Election: CM Manik Saha casts vote, says situation is peaceful

The state of Tripura has witnessed the start of the voting process for the 60-member Assembly today, amidst tight security arrangements at 3,337 polling stations. The voting started at 7 am and will continue till 4 pm. A total of 28.13 lakh voters, including 13.53 lakh women voters, will decide the fate of 259 candidates contesting the elections.

The elections are primarily contested between the BJP-IPFT alliance, the CPM-Congress alliance, and Tipra Motha, a regional party formed by scions of the former royal family of the northeastern state. Trinamool Congress (TMC) is also in the race this time for the northeastern state. The political parties have been campaigning vigorously, highlighting their respective agendas and promising development in the state.

The incumbent Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, also cast his vote in booth number 16 and expressed his satisfaction with the smooth conduct of polling. He stated, "The public has been exercising their vote by reaching the polling station since morning. The challenge for us is that polling should be conducted peacefully in each area. Polling is going on peacefully but these people (the opposition) will try that this does not happen."

To ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of polling, the authorities have deployed adequate security personnel, and strict vigilance is being maintained to prevent any untoward incidents. The Election Commission has also directed the authorities to ensure that COVID-19 protocols are followed strictly at the polling stations.

As the fate of the political parties is now in the hands of the voters, the focus is now on the results, which are expected to be declared on March 3. Until then, the parties will wait with bated breath to see who will emerge victorious in Tripura.