AGARTALA, June 26 (TIWN): State Election Commissioner G K Rao has declared Panchayat election date today in a press conference at the Commissioner’s office. On July 27, 2019 the local body poll, i.e., Panchayat election to be held whereas notification to be issued on 1st July. Last date of nomination submission is 8th July and date of scrutiny of nomination is 9th July. Last date of withdrawal of candidates is 11th July and vote counting will be held on 31st July. Total numbers of Gram Panchayat seats are 6111 and Panchayat samiti 419 seats and 116 seats in Zilla Parishad.DMs will lead the districts as District Election Officers. Total numbers of voters 1203070. Numbers of male voters are 616893 and female voters 586176.Total 2623 polling stations will be set across 8 districts.However, how far the election will be free and fair this is the question and at the same time, it’s quite expected that heavy rigging by BJP’s Criminal brigades will continue just like April’2019 Lok Sabha Election. 2018 local body elections and 2019 Lok Sabha Election bitter experiences have created a “trustless” situation among people about State Election Commission’s role was less than satisfactory.

Lameduck role of State Election Commissioner G.K Rao was observed in last local body elections, whereas MLAs like Ram Prasad Pal on camera were seen threatening police officers.

The opposition parties have demanded peaceful election. It is become a trend of Tripura that whoever collects nomination papers from opposition their houses are attacked, burnt. Also in last Lok Sabha Election, specially in the West Tripura seat huge numbers of voters could not cast votes and booths were captured.

In this situation, how far the security will be improved in this Panchayat Election and people’s fundamental rights will be saved, it’s to be seen.