Agartala, Mar 17: The Tripura State Election Commission on Tuesday unveiled the full schedule for the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, setting April 13 as the polling date for one of the state’s most significant electoral exercises.
According to State Election Commissioner Manoj Kumar, the official notification will be issued on March 18, kicking off the nomination process. Candidates will be able to file their papers until March 25, followed by scrutiny on March 26. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations has been fixed for March 28.
The counting of votes is scheduled for April 17, while any re-poll, if required, will be conducted a day earlier on April 16. The entire electoral process is expected to conclude by April 18, coinciding with the end of the current council’s tenure.
The Commission confirmed that a total of 9,62,697 voters are eligible to participate in the elections across 28 constituencies. Of them, 4,82,025 are male voters, 4,80,666 female voters, and six belong to the third gender category.
With the announcement of the poll schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect. The Commission has directed all political parties and government agencies to strictly comply with election guidelines, stating that any policy decisions that could influence voters in ADC areas will require prior approval.
Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened, with Director General of Police Anurag outlining a comprehensive deployment plan. A total of 1,257 polling stations have been identified and classified based on sensitivity. Among them, 311 booths fall under the highly sensitive ‘A’ category, 693 under ‘B’ category, and 253 are considered normal.
Nearly 11,000 personnel drawn from Tripura Police, Tripura State Rifles, and Central Armed Police Forces will be deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. Security presence will be intensified in vulnerable areas, with mobile patrols, sector officers, and area domination exercises planned throughout the election period.
Authorities have also announced that all candidates will receive personal security cover, while public meetings will be regulated through prior permissions. Strict action, including prosecution, will be taken against any anti-social elements attempting to disrupt the electoral process.
DGP Anurag dismissed concerns over cross-border threats, stating that Tripura remains free from insurgent activity. He added that the Border Security Force has enhanced vigilance along the international border, supported by 15 additional security camps set up by state police as a secondary defense layer.
Special arrangements such as ramps and shaded waiting areas will be ensured at polling stations to facilitate elderly voters and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the entire election process will be documented through videography to maintain transparency.
The elections are expected to witness keen political contest across the tribal-dominated council areas, with all eyes now on April 13.