Agartala, March 18: Hours after the Tripura State Election Commission announced the schedule for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections, calls have emerged to reconsider the polling date as it coincides with the traditional Garia Puja.
The Commission has fixed April 13 for voting and April 17 for counting. However, concerns have been raised over the overlap with Garia Puja, a week-long festival of major cultural and religious importance for the indigenous communities of Tripura.
Bipin Debbarma, general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Tripura Pradesh unit, has written to the State Election Commissioner seeking a change in the polling date. In his communication, he highlighted that the festival involves widespread participation in rituals and community events, which could affect voter turnout if elections are held on the same day.
Debbarma stated that the overlap may inconvenience a large section of voters, making it difficult for them to simultaneously take part in both the festival and the electoral process. He warned that such a situation could impact the inclusiveness and participation levels in the election.
Urging the Commission to reconsider its decision, he said that rescheduling the polling date would help ensure higher voter participation and uphold the principles of free and fair elections.
The State Election Commission has not yet responded to the request.
