**Agartala, September 27:** The CPI(M) on Sunday alleged that the convoy of its senior leader and former Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar was obstructed and an escort vehicle damaged in the Bamutia area, a day before polling for the Village Committee elections under the TTAADC.
According to party leaders, the incident occurred around 10 am at Kalibazar when Sarkar was on his way to attend a CPI(M) organisational conference in Bamutia.
The CPI(M) claimed that a group of people blocked the road, preventing the convoy from moving towards the meeting venue. The obstruction continued for around 40 minutes, it alleged.
Party leaders also alleged that one of the vehicles accompanying Sarkar was vandalised during the incident. They accused people allegedly backed by the BJP of being responsible for the obstruction and damage.
The allegations could not be independently verified immediately.
The situation subsequently turned tense as CPI(M) supporters, including members of the party’s youth wing, reached the spot, according to the party. The group allegedly involved in the road blockade later dispersed, following which Sarkar’s convoy proceeded towards Bamutia.
Sarkar eventually reached the scheduled conference and addressed the gathering, party leaders said.
The CPI(M) condemned the alleged incident and accused the ruling side of attempting to create an atmosphere of fear among opposition leaders and workers during the election period.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity in Tripura ahead of Monday’s Village Committee elections, with parties engaged in campaigning and organisational programmes across areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.
The CPI(M) has raised concerns over alleged incidents of intimidation and political violence during the election process and called for adequate security arrangements. The ruling alliance has rejected such allegations.
The latest incident has also brought renewed focus on security arrangements for senior political leaders and the maintenance of law and order during the polls.
The CPI(M) said authorities should take steps to ensure that political parties and candidates are able to carry out their activities without obstruction and that the electoral process remains peaceful.
Sarkar, who served as Tripura chief minister for more than two decades, continues to participate in CPI(M) organisational and election-related programmes in the state.
There was no immediate official statement detailing the circumstances of the incident or confirming whether any complaint had been filed in connection with the alleged vehicle damage.
The CPI(M) is expected to raise the issue with the authorities and seek action over the alleged obstruction and vandalism.
