Agartala, November 2: The main opposition CPI(M) in Tripura on Monday alleged that BJP-backed miscreants were preventing its candidates from filing nomination papers for the upcoming urban local body elections in parts of West Tripura district, accusing the ruling party of undermining democratic rights and obstructing opposition participation in the electoral process.
A delegation of CPI(M) leaders, including former MP and senior party leader Shankar Prasad Datta, along with candidates, met West Tripura District Magistrate and District Election Officer Dr Vishal Kumar, seeking administrative intervention to ensure that opposition candidates could submit their nominations safely.
Speaking to reporters, Datta alleged that party candidates contesting the Mohanpur Municipal Council, Jirania Nagar Panchayat and Ranirbazar Municipal Council elections were being prevented from entering the offices of the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates to file their nomination papers.
“There is no democracy in the state of Tripura. Our friends and comrades were ready to submit their nominations, but miscreants led by the BJP assembled in front of the SDM offices and did not allow them to enter for filing their papers yesterday and today,” he alleged.
Datta further claimed that 15 CPI(M) candidates and supporters were severely beaten up at Fatikchhara on Monday when they assembled to proceed towards the Mohanpur SDM office. Two of the injured were admitted to hospitals, he said, adding that some of those present were above 70 and 80 years of age.
The CPI(M) leader said the delegation approached the district election officer seeking an assurance that candidates would be allowed to exercise their democratic rights and participate in the November 27 elections without intimidation.
Responding to the allegations, Dr Kumar said the administration would coordinate with the police to ensure that all interested candidates could safely submit their nomination papers.
He acknowledged that incidents of this nature had occurred in some places during elections and described them as unfortunate.
“We will ensure that candidates are able to file their nominations and voters can exercise their franchise in a free and fair manner. Anyone found illegally threatening voters or causing injuries to candidates will face strict action,” the district election officer told reporters.
He said the administration would take necessary steps to address any shortcomings in security arrangements and ensure compliance with established security protocols.
Opposition parties have alleged similar complaints from other parts of the state.
The allegations have brought the conduct of the nomination process under scrutiny ahead of the November 27 urban local body elections, with the opposition demanding effective administrative intervention to ensure a level playing field.
