EC declares 'void' voting at 168 polling stations in Tripura West, re-polling on May 12

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared 'void', polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

"After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appoints May 12 at the date and fix hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll," an official statement said. 

Thirty assembly segments are part of Tripura West Lok Sabha seat and include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia.

The ECI directed the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll.

As per ECI, the voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections conducted across 18 states and two Union Territories on April 11 was 69.43 per cent.

Tripura was among five states that saw the highest voter turnout. "84.96 per cent from Lakshadweep; 83.79 per cent from West Bengal, 83.26 per cent from Tripura, 83.12 per cent from Nagaland and 82.82 per cent from Manipur," the EC said.

Tripura West has been a seat which has oscillated between Congress and Left from the beginning. However, with the change of political fortunes in the state, this election is likely to throw up a different result. BJP riding the Modi wave has got power in the state and has further managed to increase their presence in the Panchayat elections. The BJP is considered favourite to win the seat.

However, it suffered a setback when party vice president Subal Bhowmick left the party to rejoin Congress. Within days he was announced as the Congress candidate from Tripura West. To add to its worry, IPFT ally in the state has also decided to contest independently.

BJP candidate from this seat is Pratima Bhowmick and she is up against former party colleague Subal Bhowmick. Sitting Left MP, CPIM's  Shankar Prasad Dutta is also in contention. For IPFT, Brishketu Debbarman, a sittinh MLA, is contesting.  

Polling for two parliamentary constituencies in Tripura was held in two phases - on April 11 and 18. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. 

(With ANI inputs)