Agartala: Tripura has registered a record of highest seizure of cash and contraband worth of Rs 29 Cr in two weeks during an election, claimed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kiran Gitte on Sunday.
He said Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken all out efforts to ensure a violence free election and keep money and mussel power away from the election process. As a result, three weeks before the announcement of the poll schedule 200 companies of central paramilitary forces arrived in Tripura and began flag marches and area domination activities.
“ECI has taken firm action against the complaints of violence and other violations of election code this time. We are working in mission mode to make this assembly poll a model for the country in terms of election management,” Gitte pointed out.
The commissioning of EVMs for the ensuing assembly election to Tripura would begin from Monday while printing and distribution of ballot papers for around 1.5 lakh service voters has already been completed, he said.
The permanent ramps were constructed in more than 500 polling stations to facilitate differently able voters and ensured toilet and electric facilities in all the polling stations to hold a free and fair election. The commission has set up 88 model polling stations, and at least 97 polling stations would be run by women, 33 by youth and 28 would be managed by persons with disabilities, he pointed out.
“In the model polling stations, the state’s tradition and culture along with important tourist destinations would be showcased to hold the election in a different fervor,” Gitte said, adding that ECI has ensured level playing field for all the candidates and parties are in fray. Adequate security has been provided to the candidates and important political leaders.
