The CPI(M) sees foul play in the decision of the Election Commission to conduct repolling in six polling stations following the malfunctioning of the EVMs and VVPATs during the Assembly elections in Tripura on February 18.
The party’s State secretary, Bijan Dhar, wondered why the EC ignored the demand for repolling in three booths in the Takarjala Assembly constituency, but opted for places where the exercise was not demanded by any political party.
Reelection would take place in one polling station each in Sonamura, Dhanpur, Teliamura, Sabroom, Ampinagar and Kadamtala-Kurti Assembly constituencies on Sunday.
In a communiqué signed by its secretary Arvind Anand, the commission said the schedule was declared after considering reports and material circumstances.
Mr. Dhar described the decision partisan and an attempt to “boost the morale of the BJP till the counting on March 3”.
“We believe the commission’s directive was based on reports from the State’s Chief Electoral Officer. He and his subordinate officials were fully responsible for this distress,” he said, adding that the decision smacked off a conspiracy.
He sought a response from the ECI on the party’s demand to conduct a repolling in three polling stations in Takarjala.
The ruling party has alleged that workers of the IPFT, an election ally of the BJP, resorted to “unprovoked attacks” and issued threats to its supporters in the tribal reserved constituency.
