The Tripura State Election Commission (SEC) has intensified preparations for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, expected to be held in November, with an all-party meeting on October 14 focusing on electoral rolls, polling arrangements and security deployment.
Elections are scheduled to be held across 21 municipal bodies in the state, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation.
Addressing reporters at the State Secretariat after the meeting, State Election Commissioner Pradip Kumar Chakraborty said the consultation was the first state-level meeting with political parties to review preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The discussions covered district-level arrangements, the progress of the Urban Development Department and the preparation of electoral rolls.
Chakraborty highlighted the importance of publishing the draft electoral rolls and subsequently finalising them as part of the election process.
“The publication of the draft electoral rolls and their subsequent final publication are among the important tasks in the election process,” he said.
Polling Arrangements and Model Code of Conduct Discussed
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for polling stations and various stages of the electoral process, including the filing, scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations.
The implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and the responsibilities of political parties and election officials following the announcement of the polls were also discussed.
Chakraborty said the SEC had appealed to all political parties to maintain peace and tranquillity throughout the election period.
Security Deployment Emerges as Key Issue
Security arrangements, particularly the deployment of forces during the elections, featured prominently in the discussions.
According to the SEC, political parties called for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain security and ensure peaceful polling.
However, the Director General of Police (DGP) suggested that central forces already available in Tripura should be utilised for election-related duties.
“The DGP will take up the matter with the Home Department,” Chakraborty said.
The issue is expected to be taken up with the state Home Department as preparations for the municipal elections progress.
Officials Attend Preparatory Meeting
The Inspector General of Police (North), the SEC secretary and other senior officials attended the meeting alongside representatives of political parties.
The consultation forms part of the commission’s efforts to coordinate with political stakeholders and government departments ahead of the elections.
With electoral roll preparation, polling arrangements and security deployment under review, the SEC is continuing its preparations for the upcoming polls across Tripura’s 21 municipal bodies.