Salema Village Council Counting Turns Tense: Re-Poll Demanded by BJP Over Alleged Attacks Outside Maharani Counting Centre

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 5, 2026

Tension erupted in and around the counting process for the TTAADC Village Council elections in Tripura, with allegations of attacks on opposition workers and questions being raised over the administration’s failure to enforce restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS.

A demand for re-polling at Maharani in Salema Block has reportedly emerged following allegations that supporters of the alliance partner Tipra Motha attacked opposition workers outside the counting centre. Among those allegedly injured were BJP Mandal General Secretary Amal Ghosh and his driver, Sourav Das. The allegations are yet to be independently established, and the accused side’s version was not immediately available.

One of the major questions being raised is how large gatherings and alleged clashes could take place despite Section 163 of the BNSS being in force around counting centres.

According to allegations, vehicles carrying political workers were vandalised while travelling towards counting centres, including in the Thalibari area under Kathalia RD Block. Opposition supporters alleged that large groups gathered at several locations and that a section of Tipra Motha supporters attacked people belonging to rival political groups.

Critics have questioned the effectiveness of the police and administration, alleging that some incidents took place even in the presence of security personnel.

Tension was also reported around the Salema Block counting centre, where Left Front workers allegedly faced obstruction while attempting to enter the counting venue.

Following the allegations, Left workers reportedly staged a protest outside the offices of the Kamalpur SDM and SDPO, demanding action and accountability.

The allegations have also raised concerns about whether all authorised counting agents were allowed unhindered access to the counting process.

The developments have also triggered political questions after the BJP state leadership described the overall result as an NDA victory.

At the same time, grassroots BJP leaders and workers have reportedly alleged that Tipra Motha supporters were responsible for attacks in certain areas. Questions are therefore being raised about the apparent contradiction between the political leadership’s celebration of an NDA victory and allegations from sections of the BJP’s own grassroots organisation regarding attacks by an alliance partner.

The situation has prompted questions about whether the political leadership had anticipated such developments. One statement by the state BJP leadership that the NDA result was broadly in line with its calculations has also become a subject of discussion among party workers and observers.

Amid the tension, CPI(M) candidate Swapna Namasudra reportedly secured victory from the Aparashkar Village area under Kamalpur.

The result is being viewed as an indication that despite the strong performance of the NDA alliance in the wider ADC Village Council election, opposition parties, particularly the CPI(M), have retained pockets of electoral support.

The allegations surrounding Maharani, Thalibari and other counting-related incidents have put the administration and police under renewed scrutiny.

The central question being raised is why preventive measures under Section 163 could not prevent large gatherings, vehicle vandalism and alleged physical attacks around sensitive counting locations.

Opposition parties and affected workers are demanding that the administration investigate the incidents, identify those responsible and ensure that the counting process remains free from intimidation.

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