Tripura records over 81% turnout in panchayat polls amid violence

Agartala: Even after securing an unopposed victory in 71% of the seats of the three-tier panchayat in Tripura, BJP leaders in the state have once again been accused of perpetrating violence and attacking opposition candidates, and preventing a large number of voters from casting their ballots during polling on Thursday.The state election commission said over 81% turnout was recorded till the last hour. The commission received six complaints of untoward incidents in some areas, which were resolved immediately by security and returning officers.Opposition voters blocked the road at Brajapur village under Dhanpur constituency in Sepahijala in protest against MLA Bindu Debnath and former Union MoS Pratima Bhoumik “instigating violence and leading miscreants inside a number of polling stations to prevent opposition voters” from voting and manhandling candidates.Denying the allegations, BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee said, “The election was largely peaceful.”The assistant IGP (law and order) Ananta Das said no major incident was reported from anywhere.

Three-tier panchayat polls in only 29% seats underway in Tripura

Voting for less than 30 percent of the three-tier panchayat seats in Tripura began under tight security amid allegations of violence and intimidation. The BJP won over 71 percent of Gram Panchayat seats unopposed. Despite heavy security deployment, opposition parties accused the administration of failing to ensure a fair election process. Ballots are set to be counted on August 12.

CPI(M) demands impartial probe into violence in Tripura's Gandatwisa

The CPI(M) reported that rioting and arson in Gandatwisa, Tripura, left around 165 families homeless and called for an impartial investigation. Shops and homes were looted and burned, and families sought refuge in a school. The party also urged for compensation and security, along with peace initiatives to restore community confidence.

National Commission for Minorities seeks report from Maharashtra government on Vishalgad violence

The National Commission for Minorities sought a report from Maharashtra's chief secretary on the Vishalgad violence, which targeted the Muslim community. The report, due by August 13, follows a complaint by Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh, who accused right-wing organizations of orchestrating the violence under an anti-encroachment drive and criticized police inaction.

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