Agartala, May 2 — The counting of votes for the by-election to the 56-Dharmanagar Assembly constituency is scheduled to take place on May 4, with authorities putting in place elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth and secure process.
According to officials, counting will be conducted at PM SHRI Dharmanagar Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School beginning at 8:00 AM. The district administration has completed all necessary preparations, including deployment of security personnel and logistical arrangements, to facilitate orderly counting.
The by-election, held on April 9, recorded a high voter turnout of 80.04 per cent, reflecting strong public participation. However, the polling process was not without controversy, as several opposition parties raised allegations of irregularities and intimidation at certain booths.
Congress candidate Chayan Bhattacharjee alleged a sudden spike in voting during the final hours and claimed that party agents were forcibly removed from polling stations. CPI(M) candidate Amitabha Dutta echoed similar concerns, alleging that Left polling agents were expelled and that security arrangements were inadequate. In contrast, BJP candidate Jahar Chakraborty welcomed the high turnout, describing the election as a celebration of democracy.
At a press briefing, BJP leaders maintained that the election was conducted peacefully and expressed confidence in securing victory.
Polling was conducted across 55 booths under strict security cover. A total of 46,142 voters, including 23,758 women, were eligible to cast their votes and determine the fate of six candidates representing the BJP, Congress, CPI(M)-led Left Front, Amra Bangali, SUCI and an Independent.
The by-election was necessitated following the demise of sitting MLA and Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen in December 2025.
To maintain law and order during the counting process, the District Magistrate and District Election Officer of North Tripura has imposed prohibitory restrictions within a 100-metre radius of the counting centre under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The restrictions will be in force from 6:00 AM on May 4 until the completion of counting. Authorities have warned that any violation will attract strict action under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023.
