Agartala, April 12: Violence erupted across multiple polling areas during the ADC elections in Tripura on Sunday, as clashes between BJP and Tipra Motha supporters disrupted the democratic process in several constituencies.
Takarjala, Mandai, Golaghati, and Khumulwng emerged as major flashpoints, witnessing incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism, and physical assaults. What began as isolated disturbances in the morning escalated into widespread unrest by the afternoon, raising concerns over the fragile law-and-order situation during the crucial polls.
Allegations of inadequate security deployment and lapses in crowd control further aggravated tensions at various polling stations. In South Taibandal, a voter, Bhanumati Tripura, alleged that her vote had been cast fraudulently, prompting Tipra Motha leaders to accuse rivals of conspiracy. Technical glitches also affected polling, with delays reported at several booths, including the Wakinagar centre in Bodhjungnagar due to an EVM malfunction.
The most serious incidents were reported from Boxanagar’s Veluarchar and Dayalpara areas, where bombs were hurled outside polling stations, triggering panic among voters. Allegations surfaced that BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain was present with armed supporters, accused of attempting to influence the voting process. Reports indicated that multiple bombs were thrown and firearms displayed, while a Tipra Motha supporter, Abhiram Debbarma, sustained injuries and was hospitalized. Eyewitnesses also claimed that mobile phones were snatched from locals to prevent documentation of the violence.
Clashes spread to other areas as well. In Kulai Champahaor, tensions flared over allegations of outsider voting. In Golaghati, BJP polling agents were reportedly assaulted, while in Tulamura, an election official was attacked, leading to further accusations of booth capturing. BJP MLA Abhishek Debroy intervened as police later restored order.
Takarjala remained a key flashpoint, with BJP candidate Nirmal Debbarma alleging large-scale rigging and voter intimidation. He demanded re-polling, calling the situation a “mockery of democracy.”
By afternoon, violence intensified further. Bomb blasts and vandalism were reported in Santirbazar, while in Mandwi, BJP candidate Rajesh Debbarma’s vehicle was attacked, injuring several people. In Khumulwng, explosions near a polling station forced voters to flee, while in Maharani, alleged firing by unidentified individuals created panic.
Senior police officials, including SP Bijoy Debbarma and Additional SP Suman Majumdar, led operations to restore order, deploying additional forces and conducting flag marches.
Despite these efforts, both BJP and Tipra Motha traded accusations of orchestrating violence. The elections, marked by high turnout, were overshadowed by incidents of intimidation, raising serious concerns about electoral integrity as counting approaches.
