Voters turn up to cast ballot as Tripura goes to polls

Polling for the 59 of 60 seats in Tripura began early Sunday morning. With CPI(M) and BJP both eyeing for power in the state, the elections are crucial for CM Manik Sarkar who is seeking a straight fifth term. There are 25,73,413 electorate, of whom 13,05,375 are males and 12,68,027 women while the number of third gender voters is 11. There are 47,803 new voters this time, as quoted by PTI. Security is beefed up in the state and 300 companies of Central Armed Forces and state armed personnel have been deployed. BSF is also keeping a close vigil along the 856 km long Indo-Bangladesh border in the state. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

The CPI(M) has fielded 57 candidates, while the other Left Front constituents, the RSP, Forward Bloc and CPI are contesting in one seat each. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar arrives at Shishu Bihar higher secondary school in Agartala to cast his vote. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

Seen here is Tripura CM Manik Sarkar’s wife Panchali Bhattacharya on her way to cast her ballot. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

Till 9 am, voter turnout was 11 per cent. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

While BJP’s campaign was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi appealed to the voters on the last day. Counting of votes will take place on March 3. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

Demand for a separate Twipraland has been one of the most pressing issues in the state. The IPFT which has been leading the campaign wants a separate state be carved out for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) areas. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

The BJP has fielded 51 candidates and nine are contesting from its ally Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT). Congress, meanwhile, is contesting in 59 seats. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote

The counting of votes will take place on March 23. (Express Photo by Esha Roy)
Follow LIVE UPDATES Polling begins, CM Manik Sarkar casts vote