Tripura Assembly Elections 2023 Updates: 81 per cent voter turnout recorded as polling concludes

By Anuj Cariappa

Updated: Thursday, February 16, 2023, 19:47 [IST]

A total of 81.10 per cent of 28.13 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the Tripura assembly elections on Thursday, amid sporadic incidents of violence.

Tripura Assembly Elections 2023 LIVE: Voting begins in 60 Assembly seats; fate of 259 candidates in fray

The main contestants of the elections are the BJP-IPFT combine, CPI(M)-Congress alliance and the Tipra Motha, a regional party formed by the scion of the northeastern state's former royal family. Votes will be counted on March 2.

Tripura Assembly Elections 2023: Catch all the LIVE Updates here

Feb 16, 2023, 6:13 PM IST

The polling percentage in Tripura Assembly elections stands at approx 81% till 4 PM: State Election Commission

Feb 16, 2023, 4:58 PM IST

Voting officially ends in Tripura at 4pm.

Feb 16, 2023, 4:57 PM IST

The CEO said EVM malfunctioning was reported in 40-45 places but all the machines were replaced and voting resumed, adding the ECI is sending additional forces wherever required, PTI reported.

Feb 16, 2023, 4:42 PM IST

BJP nominated candidate and minister Ramprasad Pal casts his vote.

আজ সূর্য্যমণিনগর কেন্দ্রের বিজেপি মনোনীত প্রার্থী শ্রী @ramprasadpalBJP মহোদয় ভোটাধিকার প্রয়োগ করেন।#Vote4BJP #TripuraAssemblyElection2023 pic.twitter.com/f01ovHdgGx
— BJP Tripura (@BJP4Tripura) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 4:05 PM IST

A voter turnout of 69.9 per cent has been recorded in Tripura till 3 pm.

Feb 16, 2023, 4:03 PM IST

Scuffle reported at a polling station between 3 and 4 under 33 Kakraban Assembly constituency. The sector magistrate held an inquiry into the matter. A case has been registered and the situation is under control, Sumit Lodh, ADM and Collector, Tripura was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Feb 16, 2023, 3:57 PM IST

ECI officials facilitating senior citizens and Divyang Voters at polling stations.

#ECI volunteers facilitate senior citizens & Divyang Voters at polling stations during #TripuraElections2023 .

Participation of our elderly and PwD voters is an inspiration for all of us, especially young voters.#ECI #AssemblyElections2023 #IVote4Sure pic.twitter.com/NGLEjUY27o
— Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 3:35 PM IST

Office of the Chief Electoral Officer sends notices to Tripura Congress and BJP for "an appeal for vote in the favour" of their own parties tweeted from their official handles after the imposition of Model Code of Conduct.

Feb 16, 2023, 3:25 PM IST

The Election Commission informed on Thursday that it has conducted seizures totalling more than Rs. 147 crores recorded so far in the poll bound states of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya

Feb 16, 2023, 3:25 PM IST

Special inter-agency team constituted to control illegal drugs which resulted in Rs 14.12 crores worth of Ganja cultivation destroyed in Tripura, the Election Commission of India said

Feb 16, 2023, 3:10 PM IST

''It will be a challenge to complete the process by 4 pm as we expect a huge turnout at the end of the day,'' Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao told reporters.

Feb 16, 2023, 3:09 PM IST

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao said that a large number of voters were seen queuing in front of polling stations since morning to exercise their franchise

Feb 16, 2023, 3:07 PM IST

Gomati saw a voter turnout of 49.69 per cent, Khiwai of 49.67 per cent, North Tripura of 47.57 per cent, Sepahijala of 51.27 per cent, South Tripura of 53.67 per cent, Unakoti of 50.64 per cent and West Tripura of 52.49 per cent.

Feb 16, 2023, 3:07 PM IST

As per the Election Commission (EC), Tripura's Dhalai recorded the highest voter turnout of 54.17 per cent.

Feb 16, 2023, 2:36 PM IST

A voter turnout of 51.35% has been recorded till 1pm. Voting will go on till 4pm.

Feb 16, 2023, 2:35 PM IST

A senior police official said on Thursday (February 16) said that two CPI(M) polling agents were attacked by unidentified people in Kakraban assembly constituency in the Gomati district, as voting for the assembly election is underway. No FIR has been registered in the matter.

Feb 16, 2023, 2:16 PM IST

Transgender voters casted their vote in 13-Pratapgarh AC, Aralia, West Tripura District

Transgender voters casted their vote in 13-Pratapgarh AC, Aralia, West #Tripura District in Tripura Assembly Election -2023.
No voter to be left behind.@ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI #TripuraElections2023 #TripuraAssemblyElections2023 pic.twitter.com/hFjJqPj91D
— CEO, Tripura (@ceotripura) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 2:14 PM IST

After the Bru Migrants from Mizoram were resettled in the State of Tripura, they exercised their right to vote for the first time in the State.

After the Bru Migrants from Mizoram were resettled in the State of #Tripura, they exercised their right to vote for the first time in the State.@ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI #TripuraAssemblyElections2023 #TripuraElection2023 pic.twitter.com/KY1NSNME3B
— CEO, Tripura (@ceotripura) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 1:46 PM IST

“Tripura has a tradition of giving massive mandate... The BJP-IPFT alliance has won 44 seats in 2018 polls, the Left Front has bagged more than 40 seats in 2002,” he said.

Feb 16, 2023, 1:46 PM IST

Leader of Opposition Manik Sarkar, after casting his vote in Ramnagar constituency, appealed to the people to “brave all odds” and unitedly cast their votes for forming a new government that will create an atmosphere of democracy, peace and tranquility. Rajya Sabha MP and former CM Biplab Kumar Deb exuded confidence that the BJP will win 40 of the 60 seats in the state.

Feb 16, 2023, 1:46 PM IST

Among the early voters was Chief Minister Manik Saha, who is contesting the polls from Town Bardowali constituency. He exuded confidence that the BJP will secure an absolute majority in the Assembly elections. ''I am 100 per cent confident that the BJP will secure absolute majority in the elections. The party may get more seats than it did the last time,” he told reporters on his way to a polling booth at Maharani Tulsibati Girls’ School here.

Feb 16, 2023, 1:46 PM IST

EVM malfunctioning was reported in 40-45 places but all the machines were replaced and voting resumed, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao said, adding the ECI is sending additional forces wherever required.

Feb 16, 2023, 12:53 PM IST

At some places where voters are not allowed to vote, they are blocking roads and urging the election commission, if they are not allowed to cast votes they won’t let others cast their votes. This is a positive sign and a determined effort: Manik Sarkar CPIM leader and former CM

The information our people get is communicated to Chief Electoral Officer. He is responding in a very positive manner. But what action is taken onground needs to be examined further | Manik Sarkar CPIM leader Tripura and former CM Tripura pic.twitter.com/GTpVMEhypT
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 12:52 PM IST

In some places, miscreants on behalf of BJP are causing trouble and stopping people from casting their votes fearlessly. But the people are trying their best to cast votes | Manik Sarkar CPIM leader and former CM

Feb 16, 2023, 12:52 PM IST

Our demand is giving people constitutional rights after that we will talk about CM face. Every party will say on election day, even I will say that we are winning 31 seats: Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, Chief, Tipra Motha

Feb 16, 2023, 12:51 PM IST

We have complained about the violence caused in Dhanpur & Mohanpur & for the malfunctions in the EVMs. I want the entire voting process to be over by dark: Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, Chief, Tipra Motha

Feb 16, 2023, 12:50 PM IST

I think voter turnout will be over 90% & people of Tripura will give us a chance. We got information that Dhanpur & Mohanpur have witnessed violence by the ruling party: Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, Chief, Tipra Motha

Feb 16, 2023, 12:32 PM IST

Each vote counts towards good governance: BJP Chief Nadda

I urge all the voters to take part in this festival of democracy & show up to vote for the Tripura assembly elections.

Each vote will count towards continuing the journey of good governance, development & will prove to be decisive for a prosperous, corruption- free Tripura.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 12:31 PM IST

All 3,337 polling stations are covered by Web Casting & Micro Observers for transparency in polling process, reported All India Radio News.

Feb 16, 2023, 12:01 PM IST

Atotal of 32.12 per cent of 28.13 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the Tripura assembly elections till 11 am on Thursday, with the polling process largely being peaceful, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao said.

Feb 15, 2023, 7:15 pm IST

Elections to the 60-member assembly of the northeastern state of Tripura will be held on 16 February. The counting votes will take place on March 2.

Feb 15, 2023, 7:15 pm IST

This, time the state is set to witness a triangular fight this time, with the BJP-IPFT coalition seeking to retain supremacy, the Left-Congress combine looking to wrest power, and regional outfit Tipra Motha making its debut at the hustings after its stunning performance in the autonomous council polls.

Feb 15, 2023, 7:16 pm IST

Polling will take place in 3,328 polling booths, of which 1,100 are sensitive and 28 critical.

Feb 15, 2023, 7:16 pm IST

The BJP is contesting 55 assembly seats, and its ally IPFT has fielded candidates in six constituencies. The two parties will be having a be friendly fight in one seat. The CPI(M) is contesting 47 seats and the Congress 13 constituencies. The TMC has fielded nominees in 28 constituencies.

Feb 15, 2023, 7:16 pm IST

In the 2018 elections, the BJP ushed to power securing 35 seats with 43.59 percent of the vote share. The CPI (M) secured 16 seats with 42.22 percent of the vote share. The IPFT won 8 seats on 7.38 votes cast. Congress was decimated to zero seats and just 1.79 percent of the vote share.

Feb 15, 2023, 9:15 pm IST

As part of the precautionary measures, prohibitory order has already been imposed across the state and it will remain in force till 6 am on February 17.

Feb 15, 2023, 9:21 pm IST

The international and inter-state boundaries have also been sealed to prevent trouble mongers from entering the state.

Feb 15, 2023, 9:46 pm IST

Altogether 28.13 lakh voters including 13.53 lakh women will decide the fate of 259 aspirants of whom 20 are women.

Feb 15, 2023, 9:46 pm IST

Chief Minister Manik Saha is the BJP nominee from the Town Bardowali constituency, while Union minister Pratima Bhowmik is contesting from Dhanpur on the saffron party's ticket.

Feb 15, 2023, 9:47 pm IST

CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chadudhury who is the face of the Left-Congress combine, is fighting for the Sabroom Assembly seat.

Feb 16, 2023, 6:49 am IST

Visuals from polling booth 16, Maharani Tulsibati Girls' Higher Secondary School in Agartala

Voting for #TripuraAssemblyElections2023 to start at 7 am; visuals from polling booth 16, Maharani Tulsibati Girls' Higher Secondary School in Agartala pic.twitter.com/o1A80NU1Fv
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 6:57 am IST

People queue up to cast their votes for Tripura Assembly Elections 2023. Visuals from polling booths number 54 in Gomati

People queue up to cast their votes for #TripuraAssemblyElections2023. Visuals from polling booths number 54 in Gomati

Voting will begin at 7 am pic.twitter.com/2mHKj3UYrH
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 6:58 am IST

Voting to soon begin across 3,337 polling stations in 60 assembly constituencies

Feb 16, 2023, 7:00 am IST

The ruling BJP has 17 crorepati candidates followed by Tipra Motha with nine and CPI(M) seven, the report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a civil society organisation, said. The Congress has six crorepati candidates, the TMC four and two independent candidates are also crorepati, it said.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:01 am IST

Voting for the 60 Assembly seats of Tripura begins; fate of 259 candidates in the fray. Counting of votes on March 2.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:08 am IST

Visuals from polling booths number 54 in Gomati

Polling underway for #TripuraElections2023; visuals from polling booths number 54 in Gomati pic.twitter.com/spyIAIPh35
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 7:09 am IST

Who are the key candidates in fray today

CM Manik Saha and BJP state chief Rajib Bhattacharya are among key contenders.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:25 am IST

For more than 30 years, Tripura was ruled by the CPM, till the upset in 2018, when the BJP scripted history, winning 36 of the 60 seats in a state where it practically had no presence.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:25 am IST

Meanwhile, Elections are due in Meghalaya and Nagaland on February 27. Counting of votes will be held on March 2.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:29 am IST

Festival of Democracy in Tripura Elections 2023

Festival of Democracy in #TripuraElections2023 @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI #TripuraElection2023 pic.twitter.com/3mgPmz8I5p
— CEO, Tripura (@ceotripura) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 7:32 am IST

I urge all voters to take part in this festival of democracy & show up to vote for Tripura assembly elections. Each vote will count towards continuing the journey of good governance, development&prove to be decisive for a prosperous, corruption-free Tripura: BJP chief

Feb 16, 2023, 7:32 am IST

Voters exercise their franchise in Gomati

#TripuraElections2023 | Voters exercise their franchise in Gomati pic.twitter.com/l1aquRfGW0
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2023

Feb 16, 2023, 7:39 am IST

According to Election Commission, over 28.14 lakh electorates of which 14,15,233 are male voters, 13,99,289 are woman voters and 62 are of the third gender, are eligible to cast their franchise. The voting is underway at 3,337 polling stations.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:39 am IST

Adequate security arrangements have been made for the polls. The state has 97 all-women-managed police stations. It has 94,815 voters in the 18-19 age group and 6,21,505 in the 22-29 age group. The highest number of voters are in the 40-59 age group at 9,81,089.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:40 am IST

Former Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar will cast his vote at 10-10.30 am.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:52 am IST

Tipra Motha President Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl said earlier that his party could claim to form the government in Tripura in case no party or alliance (either the BJP or the Congress-Left combine) is able to gain a majority.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:54 am IST

Voters from the International Border area are one the way to cast their vote.

Feb 16, 2023, 7:55 am IST

No untoward incident or EVM technical snag was reported from any part of the state during the first 30 minutes, says Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao.

Feb 16, 2023, 8:04 am IST

Voting for the 60-member Assembly in Tripura began at 7 am on Thursday amid tight security, said Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao.

Feb 16, 2023, 8:04 am IST

Altogether 28.13 voters are scheduled to exercise their franchise during the day in 3,337 polling stations of the northeastern state to determine the fate of 259 candidates, he said.