Tripura Assembly Election results 2018 updates: BJP-IPFT alliance wins two-thirds majority, announces EC

Met CEC, have been assured he’ll intervene and take action: Sitaram Yechury says 

“BJP’s polling agent didn’t sign on controlling unit, didn’t follow procedure and are now demanding re-polling,” Sitaram Yechury said to ANI about the counting of votes being stopped in Manik Sarkar’s constituency Dhanpur. He added that he met the chief election commissioner and he was assured that he will intervene and take action. 

BJP's polling agent didn't sign on controlling unit, didn't follow procedure & are now demanding re-polling. Met Chief Election Commissioner & he's assured he'll intervene & take action: Sitaram Yechury on counting of votes stopped in Manik Sarkar's constituency Dhanpur, #Tripura pic.twitter.com/9PNXmWhWtz

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

BJP-IPFT alliance wins two-thirds majority in 60-member Tripura Assembly. BJP wins 32 and IPFT 8 seats, announces EC

Biggest losers for CPM

The polit bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued a press statement about the Tripura Assembly election results. It acknowledged that after 25 years in government, the Left Front has been voted out of office. Here are some of the biggest losers of CPM in the polls: Deputy Speaker of state Assembly Pabitra Kar, Power Minister Manik Dey, Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma and Forests Minister Naresh Jamatia.

Input by S S Ali/101Reporters

Sitaram Yechury says BJP using money**, muscle power to win Tripura**

Accepting the Tripura mandate, Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Saturday charged the BJP with using money and muscle power to win the state assembly elections.

The CPM, in a press statement, said the “BJP has, apart from other factors, utilized massive deployment of money and other recourses to influence the elections”. “This has happened because the Bharatiya Janata Party has unscrupulously utilised huge amounts of money and muscle power and managed to successfully bring together all anti-Left elements and parties, including the erstwhile opposition parties, into one anti-Left platform. They succeeded as a result,” Yechury said.

Yechury warned the people of Tripura that there would be unfavourable ramifications due to misuse of money in elections. “The BJP brought together all kinds of forces using money power and without attaching any morality to it. There will be results, against which the people need to be alert,” he added. 

He said the party would analyse the poll results and then decide its next course of action. The party statement said: “The Politburo thanks 45 per cent of the voters who extended support to the CPM and the Left Front. The party will carefully examine the reasons for this setback and take necessary remedial measures.” — IANS

Narendra Modi says elected team in Tripura is youngest ever

Modi said that the victory in Tripura was achieved with very little resources. There were no celebrities used in the elections, he added.

The prime minister also said that the elected team in Tripura is the youngest team ever and some of them were even scared of getting rejected on the grounds of their age.

A look at party-wise vote share

Will continue to oppose BJP and its divisive agenda: Sitaram Yechury

We will continue to oppose BJP and its divisive agenda not only in Tripura but all over India. (2/n)

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) March 3, 2018

Narendra Modi thanks people of Tripura for ‘phenomenal’ support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Tripura election as an “epoch-making one”. “What my sisters and brothers of Tripura have done is extraordinary. No words will be enough to thank them for the phenomenal support towards the BJP in Tripura. We will leave no stone unturned in transforming Tripura,” Modi said.

No development happened under CPM in Tripura: Ram Madhav

#EXCLUSIVE | No development happened under the CPM Govt in Tripura. People have given a historic mandate: @rammadhavbjp, National General Secretary, BJP, tells @Sougata_Mukh | #BattleForTripura | #ElectionsWithNews18 pic.twitter.com/42fvXtsUXf

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 3, 2018

BJP workers celebrate party’s Tripura success

Madhya Pradesh: BJP workers celebrate in Bhopal as BJP is set to win in Tripura. #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/WHMgwHWH3K

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Tripura result will significantly impact Bengal politics: BJP

Following the BJP’s historic win in the Tripura Assembly elections, the party’s West Bengal unit said this will surely impact state politics and predicted a “sea change” in Bengal’s political scenario in six months.

“It is the people who have brought about the change in Tripura. They will bring about the change in Bengal too. We are trying to build our party organisation here as per their hopes and aspirations. We have full support from our national leadership. I think there will be a sea change in Bengal within six months,” state Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh said. – IANS

Yogi Adityanath credits Narendra Modi for BJP’s win in Tripura

Uttar Pradesh chief minister yogi Adityanath hailed the BJP’s victory in Tripura Assembly elections and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that Modi ensured the implementation of policies tailormade for the North Eastern states.

Electoral management of BJP president Amit Shah also paid rich dividends, said Adityanath who was was one of the ‘star campaigners’ of the party in North East elections.

Biggest takeaway is growing political irrelevance of Left parties: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Hailing the trends of the three state elections on Saturday, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the biggest takeaway from the result in Tripura is the growing political irrelevance of the Left parties.

‘‘The Tripura result will also have a significant impact on politics in West Bengal,’’ he added. – PTI

Left is not right for any part of the country: Amit Shah

Shah said that the result of Tripura elections proves that the Left is not right for any part of the country.

Jahan tak Left ka sawaal hai, ye siddh ho chuka hai ki Left desh ke kisi bhi kshetra ke liye right nahi hai: BJP President Amit Shah #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/hyW7khtXlm

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Tripura’s win is a historic win for the party: Amit Shah

Shah said that in the last Assembly election, only one BJP candidate had not lost its deposit. Today, he said, BJP has a clear majority. “This is a victory of our government’s Act East policy as well as all the work done by our cadres in the state,” he added.

BJP will work with alliance partner despite majority in Tripura: Amit Shah

Amit Shah said that despite getting a majority in Tripura, the party will include other members of the alliance in the Cabinet.

Amit Shah thanks people of North East for their support

Amit Shah thanked the people of the three North East states for accepting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of development.

Amit Shah addresses press conference, says it is a proud day for the BJP

Sitaram Yechury says ‘will analyse the reasons for defeat’

After defeat in the Tripura Assembly elections, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that they will analyse the reasons for their loss and take steps to rectify them.

Victory in Tripura a win for democracy over brute force: Narendra Modi

The historic victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one. It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence has prevailed over fear. We will provide Tripura the good government that the state deserves.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2018

Left issues statement after its loss, says BJP deployed ‘money and other resources to influence elections’

“The BJP has, apart from other factors, utilised massive deployment of money and other resources to influence the elections. The BJP was able to consolidate all the anti-Left votes, virtually appropriating the erstwhile main Opposition party, the Congress,” the Left said.

Kiren Rijiju says trends in all three states indicate new political direction for country

Commenting on the trends in three states, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said that they indicated a new political direction which would have an effect on national politics as well, according to The Indian Express .

Rajnath Singh says BJP’s win in Tripura indicates support to BJP’s commitment to bring positive change

BJP’s impressive win in Tripura clearly indicates people’s support to our unwavering commitment to bring positive change with development and good governance. I congratulate the @BJP4Tripura leadership and party karyakartas on this big victory.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 3, 2018

BJP gained from anti-incumbency in Tripura: Ashok Gehlot

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot told News18 that BJP is leading in Tripura because of the sentiment of anti-incumbency against the CPM in the state.

Tripura agriculture minister Aghore Debbarma loses

Tripura agriculture minister Aghore Debbarma (CPM) was defeated by a margin of 6,988 votes by his nearest rival Mevar Kumar Jamatiya of IPFT in Asharambari ST constituency, Election Commission sources said. Aghore Debbarma secured 12,200 votes, while Jamatiya secured 19,188 votes. –  PTI

Amit Shah says BJP’s Tripura win is victory of Narendra Modi’s politics of development

I thank brothers and sisters of Tripura for their massive support to BJP. This is the victory of PM @narendramodi’s politics of development and his commitment to the welfare of North-Eastern region of India.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 3, 2018

Smriti Irani congratulates Amit Shah and BJP

Unprecedented victory of @BJP4India in Tripura. PM @narendramodi ji’s emphasis on development of North East has found resonance with citizens of NER. Heartiest congratulations to our President @AmitShah ji & Team @BJP4Tripura for the massive win.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 3, 2018

‘Will abide by party’s orders,’ says Tripura BJP president Biplab Kumar Deb

“I will abide by party’s orders. It’s a team victory. We followed Amit Shah. He worked a lot in Tripura. We get confidence with the way the party president works. Whatever responsibility I will be given, I will take it. The Parliamentary board will decide if I would be chief minister. Tripura is not foolish, public support gives us strength,” Tripura BJP president Biplab Kumar Deb was quoted as saying by News18.

BJP candidates, Ram Pada Jamatia and Pranajit Singha Roy, with their supporters

Ayub Sarkar/101Reporters

BJP president Amit Shah arrives at party headquarters

#Delhi: BJP President Amit Shah arrives at the party headquarters amid celebrations. #TripuraElections2018 pic.twitter.com/bNXEnPJSNU

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

BJP supporters break into celebration as the party gains prominent lead in Tripura

Ayub Sarkar/101Reporters

Rahul a student of nursery if Shah is in PG class of politics: Himanta

If BJP chief Amit Shah is a student of post graduation then Congress president Rahul Gandhi is still in nursery class, Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said today while comparing the two leaders’ capability in politics.

“I would say, if Amit Shah is a student of post graduate in politics, Rahul Gandhi is still in nursery class,” he told reporters here when asked to compare Shah and Gandhi’s style of functioning.

PTI

The trajectory of leads+wins at 2 pm

BJP state president Biplab Kumar Deb wins from Banamalipur

Manik Sarkar can now take shelter in West Bengal, Kerala or Bangladesh, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

​Outgoing Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar can take shelter in West Bengal, Kerala or neighbouring Bangladesh as the BJP is going to form the next government in the state, Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

“Manik Sarkar has just three options before him. He can go to West Bengal, where the CPM still has some presence. He can go to Kerala, where the party is in power and will rule for three more years or he can go to neighbouring Bangladesh,” Sarma told reporters here when asked about his comments on Sarkar during an election rally.

PTI

Neck and neck fight in Nalchar

CPM’s Tapan Chandra Das and BJP’s Subhas Chandra Das are in a neck and neck fight in Nalchar constituency. CPM ahead by 143 votes as of 1.34 pm

101Reporters

BJP Parliamentary Board to meet later today to decide CM candidate, says Ram Madhav

The BJP Parliamentary Board will meet on Saturday evening to decide on the future Chief Minister of Tripura, where the party is likely to form a government, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said. “Our Parliamentary Board (the party’s highest decision making body) will meet in the evening and take a call,” he said at a press meeting.

CPM voteshare between 1993 and 2008

Cartoonist Manjul’s take on Left’s debacle in Tripura

IPFT opens account as Mevar Kr Jamatia wins Asharambari by 6987 votes

101Reporters

Update from Badarghat

Jharna Das of CPM trailing behind BJP’s Dilip Sarkar in Badharghat by about 4,000 votes. Das is currently a Rajya Sabha MP from Tripura. 

101Reporters

With BJP leading in Tripura, supporters have started celebrating

Video by Ayub Sarkar/101Reporters

CPM’s Rita Kar Majumder in close contest with BJP’s Sankar Roy in Sabroom

According to reports, Rita Kar Majumder is ahead by 580 votes right now. 

101Reporters

Now we can also say ‘Communist free India’

In a way the entire north east is now with the BJP. Initially we used to say "Congress mukt Bharat' now I think we can say 'Vaampanth Mukt Bharat" also.: Union Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/YBfCW4EiBw

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

CPM’s dilemma in Badarghat

Will be interesting to see the result of the contest in Badarghat(Tripura), where @cpimspeak ‘s RS MP Jharna Das Baidya is contesting. If she wins, and chooses to be an MLA in an Assembly where @BJP4India is dominant, her party will lose the RS seat.

— Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) March 3, 2018

IPFT candidate leading in Ampinagar; BJp trailing in Sonamura

While IPFT’s Sindhu Chandra Jamatia is leading on Ampinagar constituency, its alliance partner BJP’s Subal Bhowmik is trailing behind CPM candidate Shyamal Chakraborty in Sonamura. Interestingly, Bhowmik had expressed his disenchantment with the allotment, before finally accepting the party’s direction to contest from this assembly seat.

101Reporters

Congratulatory messages pour in for Amit Shah and Narendra Modi

1. What an extraordinary win for @BJP4India @BJP4Tripura ! Made possible under the leadership of @AmitShah ji, dedicated work of @BJP4Tripura karyakarta and the trust & faith of the people in @narendramodi as @PMOIndia

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 3, 2018

Left is left with Kerala only.Congrats to @AmitShah & @narendramodi_in for historic win in Tripura

— Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) March 3, 2018

Thankful to the People of Tripura for trusting @BJP4Tripura
Congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi ji and our President Shri @AmitShah ji. Kudos to our man of the match Shri @Sunil_Deodhar ji for his relentless efforts in bringing this day into reality.#TripuraElection2018

— Poonam Mahajan (@poonam_mahajan) March 3, 2018

Development Won. Again.
Where there's vision, there is victory...heartiest congratulations to the people, PM Sh @narendramodi Sh @AmitShah & Team @BJP4Tripura party colleagues for the superb results. #TripuraElection2018

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 3, 2018

The story of Congress’ decimation in Tripura

The Congress party has only garnered 1.9 percent in the ongoing Assenbly election. However, in 2013, the party garnered nearly 45 percent of the popular vote. The Grand Old Party has also failed to gain a lead in any of the seats.

12.30 pm update

BJP celebrates in Tripura 

BJP supporters in Radhakishorepur celebrate as party gains lead in over half the seats in Tripura

Ayub Sarkar | 101Reporters

BJP workers celebrate in Agartala

​

Another BJP supporter says celebrations have started since the party is leading on 36 seats, but they will peacefully wait for final results to be out. 

Ayub Sarkar | 101Reporters

12 pm update

Biplab Deb likely to be next Tripura chief minister

Tripura BJP chief Biplab Deb is likely to be the next Tripura chief minister, according to News18. He is currently leading from Banmalipur constituency.

The seat trajectory in Tripura

BJP win in Tripura is a tectonic shift in national politics

The impact of Tripura result, where the BJP contested 50 seats in 2013 and lost its deposit in 49, cannot be overstated. It points to a tectonic shift in national politics where BJP has emerged as the true national party.

Revolutionary verdict, says Ram Madhav

This is a revolutionary result, all due to the blessings of Tripura Sundari Mata and people of the state and the hard work of PM Modi and party workers: Ram Madhav,BJP #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/nr5SqMmrXp

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

BJP supporters in Radhakishorepur celebrate as party gains lead in over half the seats in Tripura

Ayub Sarkar | 101Reporters

BJP sure of forming government in Tripura

BJP leader Sabita Nag says she is 200 percent sure her party will come to power in Tripura as people of the state have entrusted them with change

Ayub Sarkar | 101Reporters

BJP parliamentary board to meet at 6 pm, decide on next Tripura chief minister

We will win more than 40 seats and form the next government, says Ram Madhav

“We are happy with the trends that we are seeing in Tripura. This is due to the blessing of Mata Tripura Sundari. The trends are such which will encourage BJP to form the next government, We are awaiting the final results. We will win over 40 seats and form the government. The revolutionary results is due to the hard work of the prime minister, who came four times to address gathering. Amit Shah also spent a lot of time here,” says Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the BJP.

BJP leading in 35, IPFT in 7 seats

#TripuraElections2018 | BJP is leading on 35 seats.#PollsWithAIR pic.twitter.com/PIK9JQVID6

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 3, 2018

Alliance with IPTF a gamechanger for BJP

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the man behind the BJP’s performance in Tripura, told CNN-News18 that alliance with IPFT (Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura) was the gamechanger. “Alliance with IPFT could have been suicidal or give us huge advantage but Amit Shah was sure it will get good results. Many people did not want merger but the BJP president was in favour and that has helped. If Amit Shah is a student of post graduation, Rahul Gandhi is in nursery in terms of politics,” said Sarma, party’s key strategist in the North East.

Dhanonjoy Tripura of IPFT leading from Raima Valley

However, Lalit Mohan Tripura of CPM trails behind the IPTF candidate by a tiny margin only. 

Suneet Shukla | 101Reporters

CPM candidate Tapan Chakraborti leading in Chandipur constituency

Suneet Shukla | 101Reporters

Himanta Biswa Sarma confident of a win in Tripura

Speaking to News18, Assam minister and NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence that the BJP will form the next government in Tripura. “The vote is the reflection of the failure of the CPM. Under CPM, Tripura is at least 20 years behind other states. The urban and tribal voters, who were disenchanted with the Left, have voted for the BJP.”

BJP begins celebrations in Agartala

#BJP workers celebrate in Agartala as trends show the party leading in #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/l0km1COCNF

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

11 am update

BJP leading in Pabiachhara

​Bhagban Das of BJP leading is in Pabiachhara, while pushing the Incumbent CPM MLA Samiran Malakar to the second position. 

Suneet Shukla | 101Reporters

10.45 am | ECI counting update

Manik Sarkar leading by more than 1,600 votes 

CM Manik Sarkar leading from Dhanpur constituency by 1682 votes #TripuraElection2018 (file pic) pic.twitter.com/4X6WlB60di

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

IPFT’s NC Debbarma leading with a big margin from Takarjala

Suneet Shukla | 101Reporters

BJP leading in 2 seats

BJP state president Biplab Kumar Deb is leading from Banmalipur. On the other hand, Parimal Debbarma of BJP is leading from Ambassa. 

Suneet Shukla | 101Reporters

Late Tripura minister leading from Krishnapur

According to Financial Express, Tripura Fisheries and Cooperation minister, Khagendra Jamatia, who passed away on Friday is leading from the Krishnapur constituency. However, if he wins, bypolls will be held in the constituency.

BJP workers start celebrating in Agartala

Agartala: #BJP workers celebrate as trends show the party leading in #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/idwyo77w8t

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Trends are encouraging, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Trends are encouraging, I am hopeful and confident that BJP will form the Govt in Tripura: Himanta Biswa Sarma,BJP #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/NQFaGsNwZ2

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

This is a vote for change, says Kiren Rijiju

“Nobody thought that any party would give a tough fight to the CPM. But we have given that shock to the Leftists. I am sure this is a vote for change,” said Union minister Kiren Rijiju.

BJP leading in Radhakishorepur 

Pranajit Singha Roy, BJP candidate from Radhakishorepur, is currently in lead. He had won the same seat on a Congress ticket in 2013.

Ayub Sarkar | 101Reporters

BJP touches magic figure of 31

According to latest figures, BJP has touched the magic figure of 31, the minimum number of seats required to form the government. However, these are just trends.

Two hours into counting, here’s how the trajectory of leads and wins looks so far

Tribals will vote for us, says Sunil Deodhar

“Out of the 20 seats where we are leading, we will win 15 to 17 seats. These are tribal seats. The CPM began its political journey with the tribals but the Left later cheated them. They all will vote for us.  I am confident,” Sunil Deodhar, BJP Tripura in-charge told News18.

Brinda Karat confident of a Left win

We are very confident, let more rounds of counting complete, our leads are going to get much bigger: Brinda Karat,CPI on #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/kacKtClpnx

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

10 am update from the Election Commission of India 

9.50 am update

The CPM-led Left Front has crossed the half way mark, leading in 33 seats. The BJP is ahead in 22 seats. However, these are just trends and the EVM votes are yet to be counted.

CPM leading in Asharambari

CPM candidate Aghore Debbarma is leading in Asharambari Constituency by 92 votes, reports Hindustan Times.

Ahead of counting of votes, CPI-M, BJP confident of forming govt in state

Both the ruling CPM-led Left Front and the opposition BJP sounded optimistic about forming the next government in Tripura as officials prepared for Saturday’s counting of votes cast in the 18 February assembly elections.

Advantage BJP? Tripura is clamouring for a change

Early results in Tripura show that the BJP and CPM are set to for a photo finish. Regardless of the final result, it is apparent that this is a huge turn in BJP’s fortunes which was nearly non-existent in Tripura in line with its outlier status in Northeastern states. In Tripura, specifically, BJP seems to have emerged as the umbrella party leading an anti-Left alliance. The new generation of voters who have been witness to nothing else but Manik Sarkar reign clearly is clamouring for a change.

Sudip Roy Burman leading from Agartala

According to Hindustan Times, Sudip Roy Burman, who won the Agartala seat in the 2013 Assembly elections on a Congress ticket, is leading from the same seat as a BJP candidate.

Visual from counting centre in Agartala

Sudip Nath / 101Reporters

9 am update

Early trends show that Manik Sarkar’s CPM leading in 22 seats, BJP is ahead in 19 seats. The Congress, on the other hand, is leading in one seat.

Congress opens its account in one seat

Numbers changing fast in Tripura

As of 8.50 am, the Left Front is ahead in 19 seats, while the BJP is leading in 14 seats. Congress is yet to open its account.

Visuals from Bishalgarh SDM office counting centre in Sepahijala district

Ayub Sarkar| 101Reporters

Manik Sarkar leading at the moment 

According to TV reports, Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar is leading from his seat in Dhanpur.

Visuals from inside a counting centre in Agartala

#TripuraElection2018 | Counting being held in Agartala. #PollsWithAIR | #AIRPics: Nishith Joshi pic.twitter.com/tRUtOCLl61

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 3, 2018

Seat tally update at 8.40 am

It seems to be a neck and neck fight between the CPM and the BJP in Tripura. 

BJP leading in two seats, say reports

According to Financial Express, the Bharatiya Janata Party has opened its account in Tripura, as it is leading on two seats as per the initial trends.

Bypoll for Charilam seat to be held on 12 March

Polling was conducted only for 59 seats after the death of CPM candidate Ramendra Narayan Debbarma from the Charilam constituency. The bypoll for the seat will be conducted on 12 March. CPM has declared that its youth front leader Palash Debbarma will contest from the seat, reported agencies.

Barricades have been put up around Ramesh School counting centre in Udaipur sub-division

Video courtesy: Ayub Sarkar | 101Reporters

Scenes from outside a counting centre

Counting to begin in 10 minutes across Tripura amid tight security. Paramilitary forces have been deployed at the counting centre in Udaipur town.

Input by Ayub Sarkar/101Reporters

Visuals from inside a counting centre in Agartala

Visuals from inside a counting centre in Agartala #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/bl6vg5nErc

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Counting of votes begins in Tripura

Counting of votes begins for #Tripura, #Meghalaya and #Nagaland assembly elections pic.twitter.com/oC95lVRVBP

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

RECAP: Modi gave the clarion call of ‘Chalo Paltai’ in Tripura

In his first political rally in Tripura since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked the current CPM government by calling the chief minister ‘purana manik’ (referring to him as an old gem) and asked them to adopt ‘HIRA’ (diamond) Bharatiya Janata Party. ​

RECAP: Narendra Modi accuses Congress, Left parties of having ‘secret understanding’ for Tripura polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress and Left parties of having a “secret understanding” for the 18 February Tripura Assembly polls.

“Congress and Left parties like in Kerala and West Bengal have a secret deal for the Tripura polls. To change the future of Tripura, reject the two parties and vote for BJP,” Modi said while addressing two election rallies, reported IANS.

Tripura poll: Manik Sarkar delivered nothing; CPM fuelled tribal-non-tribal enmity, says BJP in-charge Sunil Deodhar

​

If the BJP becomes the choice of the people in Tripura on 18 February — when the state votes for a new Assembly — the one man whom the party must thank profusely is Sunil Deodhar. Looking after the affairs of the BJP in Tripura as its in-charge, Deodhar has a good record as a campaign manager. The 52-year-old, who hails from Maharashtra, was the campaign manager for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi during the Lok Sabha election in 2014.

Read the full interview here

Exit polls: CPM to retain bastion, BJP could come close second

In the country’s 65-year-long electoral history, the country’s dominant Left party, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), has never been in direct confrontation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, political developments in Tripura in 2016 and 2017 had set the stage for their first face-to-face battle as the saffron outfit emerged as the key opposition party in this Communist-ruled northeastern state.

BJP could be a close second with 42.8% of vote share: C-Voter

The C-Voter predicted BJP will be a close second with 42.8 percent of the vote share. According to the C-Voter poll, Congress may get 7.2 percent of the seats, while the other candidates will muster 5.7 percent vote share.

For CPM, C-Voter exit poll predicts a seat share of around 26 to 34, while forecasts 24 to 32 seats for BJP. Congress and others are both likely to clinch 0 to 2 seats.

CPM likely to return to power in Tripura, predict exit polls

According to exit poll predictions, the CPM is likely to retain power in its bastion Tripura in the Assembly elections despite the BJP challenging them tooth and nail to end over two decades of Left Front rule in the state.

Of the 60 seats in the Tripura Assembly, the C-Voter exit poll for 2018 predicts that the party with the highest vote share in the state will be CPM, which is forecasted to clinch 44.3 percent of the seats.

Tripura Assembly seats and their reservation status

Three-tire security in Tripura as counting in 20 centres to begin soon

Amid three-tire tight security arrangement, counting in Tripura will take place at 20 centres. Paramilitary troops were deployed on Friday night at sensitive areas.

Input from SS Ali/101Reporters

Counting of votes to begin at 8 am

Counting of votes will begin at 8 am. The first votes will be postal ballots following which the EVMs will be opened for counting.

BJP or Left? Battle of ideologies in Tripura

Will the BJP be able to overthrow the 25-year-old Manik Sarkar-led Left Front government in Tripura or will the CPM-led government stage a comeback for the sixth time in a row?

Follow for the latest news and updates on counting day.

Visuals from outside the counting centre in Agartala

#Tripura: Visuals from outside the counting centre in Agartala. pic.twitter.com/tbU1xPlJL8

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Battle Tripura: How did BJP fare in the last five Assembly elections