EVM Glitches, Agent Entry Allegations Mark Start of Tripura ADC Polls, Voting Continues Under Tight Security
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, April 12, 2026
Voting for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections commenced across the state on Sunday amid tight security arrangements, covering all 28 constituencies. The polling began at 7:00 AM and will continue till 4:00 PM across 1,257 polling stations equipped with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
A total of 9,62,697 registered voters are eligible to cast their votes in this crucial election, deciding the fate of 173 candidates. The electorate includes 4,82,025 male voters, 4,80,666 female voters, and 6 third-gender voters. Notably, nearly 97% turnout had already been recorded in postal ballots, raising expectations of a high overall voter participation.
The otherwise peaceful polling process witnessed initial disruption due to EVM malfunction in certain locations. At Bodhjungnagar’s Wakinagar area, near Holy Cross College in Sipaipara, voting was delayed as the machine failed to function properly before polling began. Voters had to wait in long queues without being able to cast their votes.
A similar issue was reported at Purba Dhanbari Senior Basic School under the Ampinagar constituency (23/41), where technical glitches in the EVM prevented the immediate start of voting. Election officials later arranged replacement machines, after which the polling process resumed.
Authorities confirmed that the faulty EVMs were repaired or replaced before 8:00 AM, and voting subsequently continued smoothly in these areas.
Meanwhile, allegations of irregularities surfaced from the Amtali–Golaghati constituency. BJP Candidate Kanuraj Debbarma alleged that polling agents of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were not being allowed to enter several polling stations, raising concerns over transparency and fair conduct of the election.
To ensure free and fair elections, extensive security arrangements have been put in place. Additional police and central paramilitary forces have been deployed, particularly in sensitive and vulnerable areas. Election authorities reported that, apart from isolated technical issues and complaints, polling remained largely peaceful during the initial hours.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation and have assured prompt action in response to any disruptions.
The Tripura ADC elections are considered politically significant, as they will shape governance in the autonomous tribal council areas for the coming term.
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