Agartala: Amidst allegations of widespread voter fraud attributed to the influx of outsiders, the INDIA Bloc in Tripura has demanded a re-polling in the West Parliamentary Constituency and the 7-Ramnagar Assembly constituency.
During a press briefing, Pradesh Congress President and INDIA Bloc candidate for the West Parliamentary Constituency, Asish Kumar Saha, voiced concerns over what he termed as a mockery of democracy in both the general election and the by-election in the 7-Ramnagar Assembly Constituency.
“The surge in fake votes, largely orchestrated by external elements, has marred the electoral process. Hence, it is imperative to annul the by-elections and conduct fresh polls in the West Parliamentary Constituency and the 7-Ramnagar Assembly Constituency. Only through a fair and transparent election can the true mandate of the people be ascertained,” he asserted.
He also accused the BJP of harboring ambitions for a third consecutive term, citing lapses in the Election Commission’s security measures at polling stations.
“The absence of a three-tier security system paved the way for irregularities, evident from the sudden spike in voting post 2 PM, facilitated by the influx of outsiders engaged in fraudulent practices. Such a tainted electoral process cannot be deemed legitimate,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Left Front convener Narayn Kar alleged that a staggering 80 percent of opposition polling agents were forcibly ousted from polling stations, paving the way for rampant voter manipulation.
“External elements were brazenly brought into the constituencies and sheltered in the ruling party’s premises since Thursday night. On Friday, they resorted to obstructive tactics, impeding voters’ access to polling stations by blocking thoroughfares,” Kar claimed.