Agartala, Sept 04: The Dhanpur and Boxanagar constituencies are on edge as they prepare for significant by-elections set for tomorrow.
These elections will unfold between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, culminating in a month-long campaign waged by the two primary contenders: the ruling BJP and the opposition CPI(M). The candidates Tofazel Hossain (BJP) and Mizan Hossain (CPI-M) are competing in Boxanagar, while Dhanpur witnesses the contest between Bindu Debnath (BJP) and Kaushik Chanda (CPI-M).
Boxangar boasts a total of 51 polling booths and 43,064 voters. It has been a CPI(M) stronghold since 1978, except for a couple of occasions in 1988 and 1998 when Billal Mia of the Congress secured the seat.
In all other elections, the CPI(M) candidates Araber Rahaman and the ailing Shahid Chowdhury clinched victory. However, this time, the opposition CPI(M) faces a stiffer challenge as it’s a by-election. The entire BJP cabinet, including Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and senior party leaders, spearheaded the campaign in support of Tofazel Hossain.
Similarly, in Dhanpur, which was a CPI(M) stronghold from 1972 to 2018 and previously represented by former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar for five consecutive terms, the BJP is optimistic about repeating its success from the last assembly election earlier this year. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Union Minister Pratima Bhowmik, and other senior party leaders led the BJP’s campaign.
Also Read: Udhayanidhi Stalin Faces Backlash for Controversial Remarks on Sanatana Dharma: Reactions and Clarifications
The constituency comprises 59 booths and an electorate of 50,138. Both the former and incumbent chief ministers addressed rallies on the last day of the vocal campaign, urging voters to support their respective parties. A significant number of police, TSR, and central paramilitary force personnel will remain deployed throughout the election day to ensure security.
The Boxanagar by-election became necessary due to the untimely demise of CPI(M) leader Shamsul Haq, who had won the seat in the previous assembly election by a margin of over three thousand votes against BJP candidate Tofazel Hossain, who is also contesting again this time.
Likewise, the Dhanpur by-election resulted from the resignation of Union Minister of State Pratima Bhowmik, who had won the seat in the previous assembly election by more than three thousand votes against CPI(M) candidate Kaushik Chanda. However, the ruling BJP is confident about retaining Dhanpur and winning the minority-dominated Boxanagar constituency this time. The administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure a free and fair election process.
