52.76% Voter Turnout Till 1 PM in Dharmanagar By-Poll Amid Allegations, Tension and Festive Participation

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 9, 2026

The by-election to the 56-Dharmanagar Assembly Constituency recorded an average voter turnout of 52.76% till 1 PM, with polling witnessing a mix of enthusiasm, sporadic technical glitches, political allegations, and tension involving journalists.

Returning Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Debjani Chowdhury stated that polling began in a peaceful and orderly manner across the constituency. Voters were seen lining up since early morning, reflecting strong participation in what many described as a festival of democracy.

Soon after voting began, a VVPAT malfunction was reported at Booth No. 32 located at Dharmanagar Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School.

Officials confirmed that the issue was resolved promptly, and voting resumed without significant delay.

Congress candidate Chayan Bhattacharya raised multiple allegations during the polling process. He claimed:

Attempts of vote rigging in certain booths

Intimidation of voters since the previous night

Ruling party workers allegedly trying to influence voters.

Congress polling agents were allegedly prevented from entering booths at specific locations, including areas like BBI and Bonbari.

Despite these claims, he also acknowledged that polling had started in a generally peaceful manner.

A major controversy erupted at Booth No. 24 in Chandrapur Model Polling Station, where journalists reportedly faced obstruction while covering the election.

Allegedly, some individuals claiming affiliation with the ruling party prevented media personnel from performing their duties.

Journalists were reportedly harassed and even physically manhandled.

The situation escalated when a group of men and women confronted media persons outside the polling station, questioning why interviews were being conducted near the booth.

The incident triggered widespread concern over press freedom during elections.

During an interview of the Congress candidate near the Chandrapur Agriculture Department office (Booth 56/24), chaos broke out:

Individuals allegedly violated the Election Commission’s 100-metre restriction rule.

They gathered near the polling area despite having voted.

Journalists claimed they were obstructed from collecting news, leading to heightened tension.

Former Women’s Commission Chairperson Barnali Goswami strongly condemned the incidents involving journalists.

She demanded strict action against those responsible, calling the alleged behavior unacceptable in a democratic setup.

Amid Festive Mood

BJP candidate Jahar Chakraborty cast his vote around 8 AM at Chandrapur Higher Secondary School.

He urged voters to:

Participate peacefully

Maintain the festive spirit of democracy

Supporters and voters gathered outside polling stations, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

While large sections of voters participated with positivity, complaints of irregularities, clashes near polling stations, and obstruction of journalists added a layer of tension to the electoral process.

Despite the controversies, voter turnout remained steady, indicating strong public engagement in the democratic process.

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