Ongoing Voting in Tripura Bypolls: Security Tightens with 53% Turnout
Synopsis
Voting for the Dharmanagar constituency by-election is well underway with a turnout of approximately 53%. Amidst strict security measures, election officials report no incidents of unrest and highlight inclusive participation efforts.
Key Takeaways
53% voter turnout recorded by 1 p.m.
Voting continues until 5 p.m.
Security measures in place for peaceful polling Key candidates: Jahar Chakraborti, Chayan Bhattacharjee, Amitabha Datta Counting of votes on May 4
Agartala, April 9 (NationPress) Approximately 53 percent of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 1 p.m. in the by-election for the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency located in North Tripura district, with the voting process ongoing under stringent security measures, according to election officials.
An election representative confirmed that there have been no incidents of unrest since polling commenced at 7 a.m. at the 55 polling stations within the constituency, which shares borders with both Assam and Mizoram.
Prior to the start of voting, a significant number of voters gathered, lining up at most polling stations across the area. Voting will proceed continuously until 5 p.m. in this diverse constituency.
A total of 46,142 voters, including 23,758 women, are eligible to participate in determining the electoral outcomes for six candidates. Election authorities, along with state police, have implemented comprehensive measures to guarantee that the election process is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Among the 55 polling stations, 11 are staffed entirely by women, while two stations are managed by differently-abled personnel and youth polling teams, highlighting efforts towards inclusive electoral participation.
Since 2008, the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency has predominantly been represented by either the Congress party or the BJP, with the CPI(M) last claiming victory in 2003. The race has become highly competitive due to the presence of multiple candidates.
The electoral contest features candidates from major political parties, smaller organizations, and an Independent candidate. Notable contenders include Jahar Chakraborti from the ruling BJP, Chayan Bhattacharjee from Congress, and Amitabha Datta from the CPI(M)-led Left Front.
Datta, a former MLA, had previously won the seat in the 2003 Assembly elections. Chakraborti, aged 59, is currently serving as the BJP’s North Tripura district Vice-President. Additionally, candidates from the Amra Bangalee party, SUCI, and an Independent hopeful are also in the race, intensifying the competition.
The Left Front and Congress, which had formed a seat-sharing agreement during the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections to jointly challenge the BJP, are now contesting separately in this by-election, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral battle. Supported by the Left parties, Congress leader Chayan Bhattacharjee had previously run for the Dharmanagar seat in 2023, narrowly losing to BJP's Biswa Bandhu Sen by just 956 votes.
This by-election was prompted by the passing of the sitting MLA and Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen, who died on December 26, 2025, at the age of 72, following a lengthy illness.
Sen had been elected to the Tripura Assembly on four occasions - initially as a Congress candidate in 2008 and 2013, and later as a BJP nominee in 2018 and 2023.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
Point of View
The focus remains on ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process. With a diverse pool of candidates and a significant voter turnout, the implications of this election extend beyond the constituency, reflecting the dynamic political landscape in Tripura.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the voter turnout reported so far?
Approximately 53% voter turnout has been recorded by 1 p.m. during the by-election.
What measures are in place for security during the voting?
Strict security arrangements have been implemented to ensure a peaceful and transparent polling process.
Who are the key candidates in this election?
Key candidates include Jahar Chakraborti from BJP, Chayan Bhattacharjee from Congress, and Amitabha Datta from CPI(M).
When is the counting of votes scheduled?
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
Why was this by-election necessary?
The by-election was necessitated due to the passing of sitting MLA and Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen.
