Counting for Tripura Assembly bypoll starts

AGARTALA: Counting for the bypoll in Manu (ST) Assembly constituency began today amidst tight security at the office of the Sabroom sub-divisional magistrate in South Tripura district, Returning officer Rajiv Datta said.

Six companies of central Para-military forces (CPMF) have been deployed for guarding the venue, where counting was underway.

Voting for the by-poll was held on September 13 in which 87.51 of the 38,08,043 voters exercised their franchise.

The Manu (ST reserve) constituency fell vacant after former Forest, Rural, Industries and Commerce Minister, Jitendra Chowdhury was elected to the Lok Sabha.

Although six candidates filed their nominations, the main contest would be between the candidate of the ruling CPI(M) Prabhat Chowdhury and opposition Congress nominee Mailafru Mog.

BJP fielded Nirmal Kumar Tripura while the TMC candidate is Angthai Mog. The rest two are Independents.