Agartala, 13th November 2026 : The CPI(M) Tripura State Committee has submitted two separate complaints to the State Election Commission, questioning the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) without Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the ongoing Urban Local Body elections and seeking action against BJP MLA Md. Tafajjal Hussein over his alleged derogatory remarks against the tribal community.
In a letter to the State Election Commissioner, CPI(M) State Committee Secretary Jitendra Choudhury expressed concern over the absence of VVPAT, stating that the mechanism is essential for ensuring transparency and strengthening voters’ confidence in the electoral process. Referring to alleged discrepancies during EVM commissioning, he argued that conducting elections without VVPAT could raise further doubts about the reliability of the voting system.
Choudhury also alleged that political parties were not consulted before the decision was finalised. He urged the Commission to convene an all-party meeting, reconsider its decision and explore traditional ballot voting as an alternative.
In a separate representation, the CPI(M) objected to alleged remarks made by Boxanagar MLA Md. Tafajjal Hussein during an election meeting at Tamsabari under Ward No. 12 of Sonamura Municipal Council on November 11.
According to the complaint, the MLA allegedly made insulting comparisons concerning the traditional food habits and lifestyle of the tribal community. The CPI(M) termed the remarks objectionable and provocative, claiming they could hurt tribal sentiments and disturb harmony between tribal and non-tribal communities.
The party further alleged that the speech had circulated widely on social media, generating public resentment and violating the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct.
Choudhury urged the Commission to lodge an FIR against the MLA and initiate appropriate legal proceedings. The CPI(M) warned that failure to act could undermine public confidence in the impartiality of the electoral process.
Through the two complaints, the party has called for greater transparency and equal enforcement of electoral rules during the ongoing civic polls.
