Agartala, September 11:
Opposition CPI(M) Tripura state secretary and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury claimed that the BJP-Tipra Motha understanding for the upcoming Village Committee elections had not translated into coordination at the grassroots, with supporters of the two parties continuing to accept and contest against each other in several areas.
Chaudhury alleged that while the top leadership of the two parties may have announced an electoral understanding, their supporters at the local level were yet to accept each other as alliance partners.
“Although there is an understanding between the two parties at the top, nowhere in Tripura at the grassroots level are Tipra Motha supporters ready to accept the BJP, and BJP supporters are ready to accept Tipra Motha,” Chaudhury said while speaking to reporters during a visit to the Rupaichori area under Sabroom subdivision.
He said candidates of both allies were still in the fray in several wards, indicating differences over the proposed seat-sharing arrangement.
Chaudhury alleged that Tipra Motha, which he said had initially wanted to contest the Village Committee polls on its own and capture the village committees, was now attempting to force opposition candidates, particularly those of the CPI(M), to withdraw.
“Our candidates are being threatened in different places to withdraw or face consequences,” he alleged, adding that despite such pressure, CPI(M) candidates and supporters were prepared to remain in the contest.
Chaudhury said he had brought the alleged threats to the notice of the administration and was assured that such acts would not be allowed and adequate security would be provided.
“Our candidates are completely prepared to face any situation. We have told the administration, and they have assured us that such miscreant activities will not be allowed,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader claimed that the party had succeeded in retaining a significant presence in the electoral contest despite what he described as attempts to prevent opposition candidates from remaining in the field.
The claims come amid a substantial contest for the 4,597 seats across 587 Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. According to State Election Commission data, after scrutiny, 10,889 nominations were found valid, including 4,361 of Tipra Motha, 2,456 of the CPI(M), 1,971 of the BJP, 483 of the IPFT and 465 of the Congress.
Tipra Motha candidates have also emerged unopposed in 1,148 seats, according to figures released by the party, accounting for nearly 25 per cent of the total 4,597 seats.
The final list of contestants is expected after the withdrawal deadline today 3 PM, while polling is scheduled for September 28 and counting on October 5.
Chaudhury said the CPI(M) would continue its campaign despite the alleged intimidation, describing the Village Committee election as an opportunity to strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots.
