Both CPI-M, Congress hopeful of victory in Tripura

Agartala, Feb 14: Both the CPI-M led ruling Left Front as well as the

-led opposition alliance are optimistic of forming the next government in

after Thursday's polling saw a large turnout.

"We shall win in more seats this time compared to the last assembly elections in 2008 and our vote share would increase substantially," said Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretary Bijan Dhar immediately after the polling ended at 4 p.m.

Accusing the Congress workers of trying to create troubles in some places, Dhar said that in most places, people cast their votes in festive mood.

"We are happy with the casting of votes and peaceful polling. In the previous elections in 2008 and 2003, the heavy turn-out went in favour of Left Front."

Accusing the Left parties of intimidating voters, the Congress said it was hopeful of victory.

"The Congress-Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura-Nationalist Conference of Tripura alliance in Tripura will form the next government," said state Congress chief Sudip Roy Barman, who contested from the Agartala assembly constituency.

The Left Front, which has been in power since 1978 barring 1988-1993, has been facing a challenge on numerous issues, including higher salaries to the state government employees and rising unemployment.

In 2008, the Left registered a thumping victory. The CPI-M alone won 46 seats and partners Communist Party of India and Revolutionary Socialist Party secured one and two seats respectively. The Congress bagged 10 seats and the INPT one.

IANS