Replying to a letter by CPI (M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury to ensure the voting rights of about 2000 TSR jawans posted in Delhi and Chhattisgarh, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that the matter was taken up promptly and Commission has confirmed the eligibility of all TSR jawans posted outside of Tripura as ‘service electors’.

In reply to the letter of CPI (M), the ECI through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tripura said that ‘the issue of 2nd battalion TSR personnel deployed outside the state of Tripura not being able to exercise their franchise in the upcoming General Election, was taken up promptly with ECI to advise on enrollment of the TSR personnel as service voters. The ECI has confirmed their eligibility for enrollment as service electors and advised them to take initiative for enrollment. Thereafter, all such TSR personnel are being facilitated to be enrolled as service voters.’

The ECI reply has also confirmed that the State Police Nodal Officer, ADGP (AP) has taken the necessary steps for enrollment of TSR personnel as ‘service voters’.

While, CPI(M) state CPI(M) and leader of opposition (LoP) Jitendra Chaudhury  through another letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has conveyed his gratitude to the CEC and state police authority for their prompt action to ensure right to franchise of the TSR jawans now on duty outside the state in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

It may be recalled here that this is for the first time; the TSR jawans posted outside the state would be able to cast their vote as service voters.