By TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th July 2024: In a concerted effort to ensure law and order during the upcoming panchayat elections, central paramilitary forces are set to be deployed across West Tripura district. “All arrangements have been meticulously made to facilitate free and peaceful elections,” stated Dr Vishal Kumar, the District Election Officer of West Tripura, during a press conference today.
Kumar announced that the three-tier panchayat polling is scheduled for August 8, covering five blocks: Dukli, Old Agartala, Jirania, Mohanpur, and Bamutia. The polling will occur from 7 am to 4 pm. “We have a total of 2,18,362 registered voters in these blocks, with 1,10,073 male voters, 1,08,285 female voters, and four other voters,” he detailed.
In total, voting will be conducted in 10, 13 constituencies across 556 centers of 91 gram panchayats within these blocks. Additionally, polling will take place in 65 constituencies at 65 centers for the Panchayat Samiti, and in 17 constituencies at 17 centers for the West Tripura Zilla Parishad, all through ballot papers.
The nomination process for candidates is already underway, with nomination papers accepted until July 18 at the District Election Officer’s office for Zilla Parishad positions and at the respective Returning Officer’s (BDO) offices for Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Samiti positions. “The scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for July 19, and the last date for withdrawal is July 22,” Kumar added.
Addressing the logistical preparations, the District Commissioner highlighted that a total of 45 polling stations in the district are fully equipped with essential amenities like drinking water, electricity, seating, and sheds for voters. “We will publicize the mobile numbers of the Returning Officers (BDO) to allow voters to file complaints easily,” he said. A control room will also be established in the office of the West Tripura District Magistrate to manage any issues during the elections. The counting of votes is set to commence on August 12 from 8 am.
The Acting Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma, assured that all security measures are in place for a smooth electoral process. “Our priority is to ensure that the elections are conducted freely and peacefully,” Debbarma emphasized. The press conference saw the presence of key officials including Additional District Magistrate Sajal Biswas, District Panchayat Officer Nilotpal Debbarma, and Deputy Collector Nabakumar Jamatia.
In a final appeal, the District Magistrate urged for the cooperation of all political parties, voters, and the public to ensure that the upcoming three-tier Panchayat elections are fair and peaceful.
