As expected the CPI (M) has won both the Lok Sabha seats in Tripura by massive margins, but jubilation of the party rank and file is visibly absent owing to shocking defeats elsewhere, particularly in West Bengal. Both the Left candidates, Jitendra Choudhury in reserved East Tripura (R) and Shankar Prasad Datta in West Tripura constituencies have defeated Congress rivals by over three lakh votes.
Interesting feature of the results is Congress has managed to secure the second position ending speculations over surge of the Trinamool Congress that routed the Left in West Bengal. Altogether 25 candidates including three women contested in both seats and most them lost deposit.
Jitendra Choudhury, Forest and Industry minister, polled 4,33,518 and his nearest Sachindra Tripura of Congress got 96,436. Trinamool Congress candidate Bhriguram Reang was third with 50,493 votes.
In West Tripura, the result is almost same with Shankar Prasad Datta of CPI(M) getting 4,75,120 votes and Professor Arunoday Saha collecting 1,14,600 votes. Trinamool Congress state chairman Ratan Chakraborty got 78,048 votes.
Though counting of votes completed by noon, results were not officially declared for a considerable time for absence of clearance from the election commission. Counting in East Tripura constituency was halted for sometime due to technical snag in an EVM.
Lok Sabha election in Tripura was marred by controversies with all opposition parties accusing Chief Electoral Officer Ashutosh Jindal of collaborating with the ruling CPI (M) of manipulating entire poll exercise. Street agitations, rallies and a general strike enforced by a few parties followed.
