By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 6, 2026
AGARTALA: With the high-stakes 56-Dharmanagar Assembly bye-election just days away, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tripura, Brijesh Pandey, held a detailed press briefing today to outline the Election Commission’s “full-scale” readiness. Addressing the media in Agartala, the CEO emphasized that all administrative and security protocols are in place to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive voting process on April 12.
The briefing comes amid intensified campaigning by the major political parties, making Dharmanagar a focal point of the state’s current political landscape alongside the TTAADC polls.
Voter Turnout and Poll Logistics
CEO Brijesh Pandey shared key statistics regarding the constituency, noting that the voter list has been finalized following the recent Special Intensive Revision.
Vital Statistics for Dharmanagar Bye-Poll:
- Polling Date: April 12, 2026 (7:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Counting of Votes: April 17, 2026.
- Technological Vigil: For the first time in a state bye-election, 100% webcasting will be implemented across all polling stations in the 56-Dharmanagar seat. This will allow the CEO’s office in Agartala to monitor real-time activities inside the booths.
- Special Booths: To encourage participation, the Commission has set up “Pink Booths” (all-women managed) and specialized booths for PwD (Persons with Disabilities) voters.
Security and “Zero-Violence” Mandate
The CEO asserted that a “zero-tolerance” policy towards electoral malpractice and violence has been adopted.
”We have deployed adequate companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) specifically for the Dharmanagar area. Our Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and Flying Squads are working round-the-clock to monitor any violation of the Model Code of Conduct. We are committed to providing a secure environment where every voter can exercise their franchise without fear or favor,” Brijesh Pandey stated.
Addressing EVM/VVPAT Concerns
In response to queries regarding the reliability of voting machines, the CEO clarified that a multi-stage checking process has been completed.
- First Level Checking (FLC): Successfully conducted in the presence of representatives from all recognized political parties.
- VVPAT Transparency: Every EVM will be attached to a VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machine, allowing voters to see a physical slip confirming their choice for seven seconds.
- Mock Polls: A mandatory mock poll will be conducted at every booth on the morning of April 12 before the actual voting begins.
Message to the Electorate
The Chief Electoral Officer concluded the briefing by urging the residents of Dharmanagar to participate in the democratic process in large numbers. He highlighted that the “C-Vigil” app is active for citizens to report any immediate violations of the election code directly to the observers.
With the security forces conducting route marches in Dharmanagar starting this evening, the district administration is now in “mission mode” to conclude the final leg of poll preparations.
