Ham Radio networks active as Tripura votes today

The BJP is looking to retain power, while the CPI(M)-Congress are looking to regain it. The main focus would however be on the performance of the Tipra Motha Party

Updated: Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 15:22 [IST]

Security is tight as polling got underway in the state of Tripura. While the borders have been sealed, a joint control room has been set up to maintain communication between the central paramilitary forces and local police.

The joint control room has been operational since Wednesday to facilitate uninterrupted security surveillance.

Voters show their identification cards as they wait in queues to cast their votes at a polling booth during the Tripura Assembly elections, in Rajnagar. PTI Photo

According to election officials, the Ham Radio networks are in use where the mobile network cannot be reached to cover the shadow zone polling booths, which are enabled with very high frequency networks of thew Tripura Police and Amateur Radio networks of the Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA).

Officials said that the Ham Radio networks are mainly to be utilised in Dhalai and South District. The Election Commission of India adopts a mission of zero poll violence to hold model elections in Tripura, officials also added.

In another unprecedented move, all 3,337 polling stations in Tripura have more than one polling agent from political parties.

Polling in Tripura got underway at 7 am on Thursday. Tripura is electing MLAs for the 60 assembly seats.

Early this morning there were reports of some EVMs not working. They were expeditiously replaced by the engineers. Long q queues were reported at most of the polling booths.

Tripura elections:

The Tripura elections are being held to elect 60 MLAs to the assembly. The main contenders are the ruling BJP, CPI(M)-Congress alliance and the Tipra Motha Party.

The Tipra Motha Party is looking to win big in the 20 seats reserved for tribals. A separate state for tribals has been promised by the party, if it comes to power.

In the2018 elections, the BJP won outstandingly by ending the 25 year rule of the Left. The BJP bagged 35 seats, while the CPI(M) won only 16. The Congress bagged just 2 seats in 2018.

Some of the major election issues in Tripura have been development, social welfare and the contentious issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

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