POLITICS

Early Assembly polls in Odisha?

There seems to be a buzz in the power corridors that there will be early polls for Odisha Vidhan Sabha. Actually, a senior official of Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to visit the state in September and this has added fuel to fire. The official is scheduled to hold an elaborate discussion with the District Collectors related to the election preparation. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state Nikunja Dhal said that the state has already received EVMs as per the requirements along with VVPATs for 9 districts. However, our preparations have nothing to do with early election in Odisha.

Giving severe jolt to Congress, CPI(M), Tipra Motha Chief meets Shah

Congress, CPI(M) and Tipra leaders in Tripura recently met to discuss election alliance in Vidhan Sabha polls to be held in two Constituencies in the state. The Dhanpur assembly segment fell vacant after resignation of Union MoS Pratima Bhoumik and the death of CPI(M) legislator necessitated election in Boxanagar seat. In fact, CPI(M)  and the Congress approached Tripura’s main Opposition party TIPRA (Tipraha Indigenous Peoples Regional Alliance) to form a strategic tie up. The talks was in progress but the Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Manikya’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi has turned the equation upside down. After the meeting, Manikya has indicated that his party is unlikely to support the opposition candidates. Congress and CPI(M), both part of their national coalition INDIA bloc, already decided to continue the alliance they had forged. Under seat sharing arrangement, the CPI(M) is contesting both the segments falling in Sepahijala district.