No VVPAT, No CCTV Cameras: Sudip Roy Barman Calls ADC Polls a ‘Fixed Match’, Alleges Pre-Planned Manipulation in Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 13, 2026

Senior Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman has sparked political controversy by alleging that the ongoing elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) are a fixed match even before voting begins.

Addressing the media yesterday evening in Agartala, Roy Barman claimed that the electoral process in the hill areas resembles a cycle of killings democratic values, suggesting that fear, violence, and manipulation are influencing the democratic exercise. He alleged that the ruling party has already engineered the outcome in advance.

According to him, despite assurances from authorities that the elections would be free and peaceful, the ground reality presents a different picture. He pointed out that several incidents of violence have been reported from different parts of the state, raising serious concerns about voter safety and the fairness of the polling process.

Roy Barman further alleged that opposition polling agents are not being allowed to function properly inside polling booths. He claimed that there was no VVPAT and no CCTV cameras in several polling stations.

He stated that the absence of CCTV cameras could allow irregularities such as bogus voting and voter intimidation to go unchecked. He also raised concerns about the unavailability of VVPAT machines and questioned the role of administrative officials, alleging that government employees, including presiding officers, are under pressure from the ruling establishment.

According to him, written complaints have been submitted regarding these issues, but no meaningful action has been taken so far.

The Congress leader emphasized that more than 50% of opposition polling agents were unable to effectively monitor the voting process, which, he argued, undermines the transparency of the election.

Roy Barman concluded by stating that democracy can only be upheld if voters are able to cast their votes freely and without fear.

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