Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Agartala: Election officials confirmed 810 candidates remain in the running for Tripura's upcoming urban local body polls. Following the November 10 withdrawal deadline, voters will decide contests across 21 municipal bodies. The ballot covers 268 seats, while 77 seats finished as uncontested. The Bharatiya Janata Party maintains the largest presence with 342 candidates.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) holds 228 spots, the Indian National Congress has 201, the Tipra Motha Party has 10, and independents account for 29. These numbers follow a turbulent vetting period. State Election Commission Secretary Anurag Sen noted that 1,109 papers were initially filed. Scrutiny on November 8 resulted in 49 rejections among 20 candidates. Another 49 candidates withdrew their names voluntarily.
Agartala Municipal Corporation accounts for the highest density of candidates with 164 across 51 wards. Other major areas include Dharmanagar, Udaipur, Kailashahar, Ambassa, and Belonia. State Election Commissioner Pradip Chakraborty dismissed claims of interference during the filing phase. He emphasized that security remained a top priority. Chakraborty stated, "The High Court had directed the authorities to ensure security for candidates during the nomination filing process. Accordingly, instructions had been issued to officials of the Urban Development Department, concerned District Municipal Officers and Returning Officers to ensure adequate security arrangements."
Authorities are tightening the grip on security. Officials ordered the deposit of all licensed firearms by November 13. So far, 110 weapons have been turned in. Twenty-three election observers are now on duty across the state to monitor proceedings. These observers will handle grievances from candidates and the public alike.
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