TIPRA Motha Questions Import of EVMs for TTAADC Polls from Madhya Pradesh, Seeks Central Forces, CPI(M) Demands VVPAT

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 1, 2026

A fresh political controversy has emerged ahead of the upcoming TTAADC elections in Tripura, with the TIPRA Motha Party raising serious questions over the reported import of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from Madhya Pradesh despite the availability of sufficient EVMs with VVPAT in the state.

The issue is expected to take centre stage at the all-party meeting convened by the State Election Commission on Wednesday morning to discuss poll-related arrangements for the TTAADC elections.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury also questioned the rationale for using EVMs without VVPAT.

Similarly, TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma alleged that there are suspicions surrounding the decision to bring EVMs from outside the state when Tripura already has an adequate number of machines equipped with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The party views the move as unnecessary and has demanded clarity from the State Election Commission.

Ranjit Debbarma said that party representatives, including Minister Brishaketu Debbarma, are expected to raise the issue formally during the meeting today and seek a detailed explanation.

In addition to questioning the sourcing of EVMs, CPI(M) and TIPRA Motha have reiterated their demand that all EVMs used in the ADC elections must be equipped with VVPAT to ensure transparency and voter confidence.

Meanwhile, Tipra Motha have called for the deployment of central security forces to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections.

The demand for VVPAT and central forces is not limited to TIPRA Motha. Congress, party also already demanded that VVPAT be installed with all EVMs used in the ADC polls. The Congress party has also voiced similar concerns, urging the authorities to ensure maximum transparency and security during the electoral process.

Meanwhile, official communication from District Election Officers indicates that First Level Checking (FLC) of EVMs is scheduled to begin from April 3, 2026, at district warehouses. Political parties have been asked to nominate representatives to remain present during the process to ensure transparency.

The developments indicate growing political scrutiny over the conduct of the TTAADC elections, particularly regarding the credibility of voting machines and security arrangements. All eyes are now on the State Election Commission’s response during the all-party meeting, which is expected to address the concerns raised by multiple political stakeholders.

more news...