Polling underway in two Tripura Assembly seats

Barjala seat fell vacant after Congress MLA's resignation while death of CPI-M leader necessitated bypoll in Khowai seat

Bypoll in two Tripura Assembly seats - Barjala and Khowai - began on a peaceful note amidst tight security.

People were seen queueing up since early morning to cast their vote.

For purposes of peaceful polling nine companies of central paramilitary forces, including Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in the two constituencies and their adjoining areas.

State forces, including Tripura State Rifles and state police have also been deployed.

The Election Commission has appointed three central observes to oversee the polling in the two seats.

The Barjala (SC reserved) seat fell vacant following the resignation of Congress MLA Jitendra Sarkar due to internal squabble in the party, while the death of veteran CPI-M leader Samir Deb necessitated the bypoll in Khowai seat.

At Barjala constituency a multi-cornered electoral battle is on with five candidates of BJP, CPI-M, Trinamool Congress, Congress and Amra Bangali in the fray.

Khowai seat too has contestants from the same parties in the ring.

A total of 39,007 voters will exercise their franchise in 48 polling stations in Barjala assembly constituency, while in Khowai seat 39400 electorate will cast their votes in 52 polling stations.

Results of the two constituencies would be announced on November 22.