Agartala

:CPI(M) and Congress alleged massive rigging in west Tripura Lok Sabha constituency which went to polls on Thursday in the first phase. They said extent of malpractices with support of security establishment and administration was unprecedented in the State and criticised Election Commission for lack of measures to hold free and fair polls.

Approximately 81.23% electors turned out to cast vote, said election department citing reports available at 5 pm. CPI(M) demanded repolling in 460 of total 1679 polling stations. Congress also accused BJP of rigging, attack and intimidation across the constituency. Party candidate Subal Bhowmik alleged that the election officials, observers and central forces were not seen in areas where booths were ‘captured’.Bhowmik echoed CPI(M) allegation of expulsion of polling agents from most of booths. CCTV cameras were damaged in several booths to hide misdeeds, he added.