Agartala: Extensive security deployment has been made across Tripura in view of the counting of votes on Thursday in 21 locations.
The administration imposed restrictions on the movement around the counting stations while debarring entry of counting agents, and media persons with mobile phones in the halls.
The election officials said three-layer security has been made in each of the counting stations besides deployment of state police in the outermost circle for frisking and maintaining general law and order during the counting exercise.
“The central paramilitary personnel have been deployed in the three layers in the counting hall along with one counting observer for each of the 60 assembly constituencies to make the process peaceful and transparent,” said CEO Kiran Gitte adding that counting would start with postal ballots followed by EVMs in 10 tables for each of the constituency from 8 AM.
To ensure hassle-free counting and maintaining peace, CEO has had meetings with the political parties urging them to control their respective party workers whatever the outcome of the elections, and ECI would not tolerate any unlawful attempt or activities during or after the results of the election, he pointed out.
“The police and paramilitary forces have carried out a flag march on Tuesday night in all the towns where counting is scheduled to be held, which will be continued tonight too. And, ECI has undertaken measures to ensure peace and tranquility even after the announcement of the result and ready to handle any eventuality in strong hand,” CEO underlined.
As many as 28,14,584 electorates comprising 13,99,289 females have been destined to exercise their franchise but 24,66,511 electorates including 12,47,705 females voted across 3,327 polling stations on Feb 16 last decided the fate of 259 candidates including 55 from BJP, 47 from Left
Front including one independent, 42 from TIPRA Motha, 28 from TMC and 13 from Congress.
There were 97 polling stations manned by women, 88 model polling stations, 33 polling stations manned by youth polling workers, and 44 polling stations manned by persons with disabilities. The polling process was almost peaceful except for five incidents where 89.95 percent of voters turned out and queued up late at night.
