Agartala: Vocal campaigning for the elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) will conclude at 4 pm on Friday, officials said, with authorities intensifying security arrangements and imposing restrictions ahead of polling on April 12.
The elections are witnessing a multi-cornered contest, with the Tipra Motha Party and the BJP emerging as the main contenders.
Security has been strengthened across the state, with central armed forces being deployed alongside state police. A senior Tripura Police official said four companies have already arrived, while 20 more are expected to reach Agartala on Friday.
Director General of Police Anurag said 24 companies of central forces have been allocated, including units from the BSF and SSB, for election duty.
Officials said patrolling and flag marches are being conducted in sensitive areas, following reports of clashes and incidents of political violence in some locations in recent weeks. Some political parties had also sought deployment of central forces during the poll process.
Meanwhile, the district administration of West Tripura has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to ensure orderly conduct of polling.
As per the order, assembly of five or more persons within 200 metres of polling stations has been prohibited without prior permission. The restrictions will remain in force from 4 pm on April 10 till 6 am on April 13.
The administration has also limited convoys to a maximum of three vehicles and banned pillion riding on two-wheelers on polling day. Movement of two-wheelers in groups has also been restricted.
Carrying of items such as sticks, rods or other objects that could be used as weapons has been prohibited in areas under the restrictions. Mobile phones will not be allowed inside polling stations unless authorised, in accordance with State Election Commission guidelines.
Political campaigning intensified in the run-up to the deadline, with leaders from major parties holding rallies across tribal areas. Chief Minister Manik Saha campaigned extensively, while Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Kishore Debbarman also addressed multiple public meetings.
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Other parties, including CPI(M), Congress and IPFT, are also in the fray.
There was no immediate response from political parties on the restrictions imposed by the administration.
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