The by-polls conducted in two Assembly constituencies in Tripura ended smoothly, with a few isolated incidents of disruption on Tuesday.

Boxanagar constituency witnessed a substantial voter turnout, recording 89.2 percent participation, while the Dhanpur constituency registered a turnout of 83.92 percent. The results of these by-polls are scheduled to be declared on September 8.

After the polling was over, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed gratitude to the voters and displayed confidence in their prospects of victory. Conversely, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPIM raised concerns about widespread irregularities and demanded a re-poll in both constituencies. Tripura Pradesh Congress leaders denounced the by-polls, branding them as a ‘farce’ and placing blame on the BJP.

CPIM candidate in Dhanpur Kaushik Chanda alleged CPIM could not enter into around 40-42 booth because of ruling party’s intimidation. However, DM of Sepahijala District who extensively toured both Dhanpur and Boxanagar constituencies said it would not be wise to say that CPIM agents were prevented. He explained, administration talked to the Opposition party agents and offered administrative step if the agents feel threatened – but no one sought administrative help.  

While the pre-by-poll campaign period in both Dhanpur and Boaxanagar remained peaceful, the first instance of violence occurred in Boxanagar on September 4, a day prior to the by-polls.

Abu Zafar, a member of the CPIM’s Boaxanagar local committee and a former Panchayat chief of Kalshimura village panchayat, was assaulted severely by individuals allegedly affiliated with the ruling party. The injured CPIM member received initial medical attention at a local Boxanagar hospital.

The family members of the injured alleged that they were obstructed en route to the hospital and faced threats of dire consequences from hooligans believed to have ties to the ruling party. Subsequently, late at night, Abu Zafar was transferred to GB Hospital in Agartala for further treatment. Abu Zafar, in his statement, accused BJP nominated candidate from Boxanagar, Toffajal Hussain of leading the attack against him.

On the day of polling, voting commenced peacefully, although there were reports of malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Boxanagar, which led to a delay of approximately half an hour in the start of voting.

Stray incidents of violence were reported from the Mohanbhog Anandapur area under the Dhanpur constituency.

Local sources alleged that a group of outsiders attempted to disrupt peace in the areas and obstructed ordinary voters from casting their votes. In response, locals resisted these outsiders, resulting in a clash between the two groups. A total of 16 persons were injured, with seven of them subsequently sent to GB Hospital in Agartala.

The remaining injured individuals received primary treatment at Melaghar hospital. Several motorcycles were set ablaze during the violence.