Tripura chief electoral officer Kirankumar Dinkarrao Gitte on Saturday said that 27 people were arrested so far and at least 36 cases were registered over pre-poll violence since January 18, when the assembly elections were announced.
“36 cases of pre-poll violence have been registered since January 18. Most of the cases are related to burning of party offices, damaging campaign materials, threatening, attacks on people, vandalisation of vehicles etc., 27 people were arrested related to these cases,” Gitte told the media persons in Agartala.
The state assembly election is scheduled for February 16 and the counting of votes will take place on March 2.
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However, the number of poll violence this year is comparatively less than in 2018 where 54 cases of pre-poll violence were registered during this timeframe, he said.
According to the official, as the state goes to polls on February 27, security has been tightened in all areas, including the implementation of prohibitory orders in many border areas and borders adjacent to Sepahijala, Khowai, Unakoti and Dhalai districts would be sealed for a week before the Assembly polls.
{{/usCountry}}According to the official, as the state goes to polls on February 27, security has been tightened in all areas, including the implementation of prohibitory orders in many border areas and borders adjacent to Sepahijala, Khowai, Unakoti and Dhalai districts would be sealed for a week before the Assembly polls.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) has increased vigil in the bordering areas adjacent to the northeast state.
The printing process of the ballot papers has already started, Gitte said. A total of 20 ballot papers have been distributed to all the polling stations for tender votes, said the electoral officer overseeing the development in the state ahead of the assembly elections.
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He said that EVMs have reached all districts and they will be commissioned with ballot papers from February 6-8. Postal ballot voting would begin on February 8, he said.
A total of 259 candidates from different political parties would contest the polls on February 16.
According to the official, of the total 3,337 polling stations, 1,128 stations have been identified as vulnerable and 240 as critical. In addition to 400 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), 11,000 police and Tripura State Rifles are also deployed in different parts of the state, the chief electoral officer said.