Tripura Deputy Chief Minister designate Jishnu Debbarma’s victory from Charilam constituency is now a matter of time following CPI-M’s withdrawal from the election. Counting and result of the by-poll will be declared on March 15.
Re-polling in Charilam was held on March 12. Polling to the Charilam seat was postponed following the death of CPI-M candidate Ramendra Narayan Debbarma, a week before the February 18 elections in the state.
Though CPI-M had fielded Palash Debbarma against deputy chief minister designate Jishnu Debbarma, on March 10, CPI-M withdrew from the election to Charilam assembly seat, citing “post-poll violence” in the constituency. The Congress has fielded Arjun Debbarma from the seat.
The CPI-M had earlier requested the Election Commission to postpone the Charilam poll till “normalcy gets restored” in the area.
“Since our appeal for postponement has not been considered, we have unanimously decided to withdraw from the election,” Dhar said.
BJP state in charge Sunil Deodhar rubbished the allegation as baseless.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature from the Charilam election was February 26 but CPI-M had decided to withdraw from the election only on March 10. However, the electronic voting machines will have a symbol for the Left party.
Meanwhile security has been beefed up in Charilam constituency ahead of the counting on Thursday. Counting will begin from 8 am.