Agartala, Nov 14: Senior CPI(M) leaders on Saturday accused the BJP government in Tripura of undermining democratic rights through alleged political violence and intimidation ahead of the November 27 urban local body elections, with former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar calling for a wider movement against what he described as misrule and an atmosphere of fear in the state.
Addressing a gathering organised by the CPI(M)’s workers’ wing, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), at Orient Chowmuhani here, Sarkar said the opposition must intensify its struggle and reach out to people across political and social backgrounds to challenge the prevailing situation.
He said the party could not claim that the entire population had turned against the BJP, pointing out that a substantial section of voters, including economically weaker sections, still needed to be persuaded through sustained political engagement.
“We will organise people, build their confidence and encourage them to come forward with courage and democratic determination. We will not adopt the path of violence,” Sarkar said, asserting that the workers’ demands raised at the rally were legitimate and democratic.
Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury alleged that elections in Tripura over the past nine years, including parliamentary, Assembly, panchayat and ADC polls, had been marked by intimidation and violence.
Referring to the ongoing civic election process, he alleged that opposition candidates and supporters were attacked and prevented from filing nominations, questioning the role of the State Election Commission, police and administration in ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
His remarks come amid continuing opposition allegations of coercion during the nomination and withdrawal phases of the November 27 civic polls. The BJP has secured 77 seats uncontested across five urban local bodies, while polling will be held in the remaining constituencies.
Separately, former MP and CITU leader Shankar Prasad Datta criticised the Centre’s four labour codes, alleging that they would weaken workers’ rights, undermine the eight-hour working-day provision and expose employees to longer working hours without adequate overtime benefits.
He also claimed that over two lakh workers had left Tripura in search of employment.
Datta announced a three-day nationwide workers’ mobilisation in New Delhi from December 1 to 3, including a march towards Parliament, demanding changes to the labour codes and protection of workers’ rights.
A large number of CITU workers attended the rally, which was also addressed by former minister and Left Front chairman Manik Dey.
