File image: Election Commission of India

Following reports of rigging in the first phase of polling in Tripura, the Election Commission (EC) on Monday appointed a special observer to investigate the matter.

Informing this to the media, CPI-M politburo member Nilutpal Basu said that the observer has been appointed by the election commission who will now investigate the matter.

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Alleging gross rigging in the first phase of polling on April 11, the CPI-M has been demanding that re-polling should take place in 464 polling booths in Tripura.

“We want action. We want that people can cast their vote in a free atmosphere,” said Basu after meeting the election commission in New Delhi.

Basu said that he has submitted documents to the election commission which consist of an FIR copy registered by the state election commission alleging the ruling party leaders in Tripura of involving in rigging.

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“The state election commissioner has also registered FIRs alleging rigging by the BJP leaders and we have those documents,” said Basu.

He said that anticipating deteriorated law and order situation, the election commissioner itself has postponed the date for the second phase of polling in Tripura from April 18 to April 23.

Polling for the Tripura East Lok Sabha seat will take place on Tuesday.