With the nomination process for September 28 ADC Village Committee (VC) elections in Tripura entering its final phase, former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has alleged that opposition candidates are facing threats and obstacles in submitting their nomination papers. He singled out Jirania and Mohanpur and urged opposition supporters to confront the challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar alleged attempts to obstruct opposition candidates from filing nominations.
- He identified Jirania and Mohanpur as areas where such problems are particularly visible.
- Sarkar warned of possible political understandings aimed at weakening the CPI(M)-led Left Front.
Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has alleged that opposition candidates are facing intimidation and attempts to obstruct nomination filing ahead of the September 28 TTAADC Village Committee (VC) elections.
Sarkar made the allegations on September 5. Candidates have time until September 8 to submit their nomination papers.
He said the opposition, particularly the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has faced direct attempts to create difficulties during the nomination process.
The former chief minister, however, said the situation this time appears different from previous elections in some respects. He claimed that people are showing greater courage despite the reported threats and pressure.
Jirania, Mohanpur Under Focus
Sarkar identified the Jirania and Mohanpur subdivisions as two areas where opposition candidates are particularly facing difficulties.
“Compared to previous days, we are directly witnessing attempts to create problems while opposition candidates are filing nomination papers,” he said.
He added that some minor incidents have also been reported from other areas. However, he said the opposition was not treating all such incidents as major at this stage.
Sarkar also referred to Jampuijala. He said the situation there would become clearer over the next two or three days.
The former chief minister said he was heading to the party office to gather more information. He said he would collect details before making any final assessment of the situation.
Sarkar Says Voters Are Showing Courage
Sarkar claimed that public sentiment has begun to change despite the tension surrounding the election process.
According to him, people are trying to overcome the obstacles and participate in the electoral battle.
He said this growing willingness to confront difficulties cannot be ignored.
The CPI(M) leader also alleged that the ruling side is worried about facing the election. He linked the alleged intimidation to what he described as a climate of fear and violence.
Sarkar further claimed that the ruling parties were struggling to reach an expected level of understanding among themselves.
Warning Over Possible Political Understanding
The former chief minister also warned that political developments could take another turn in the coming days.
He said there was no reason to rule out an open or informal understanding among two or three parties.
Such an arrangement, he suggested, could target the opposition, particularly the CPI(M)-led Left Front.
Sarkar said the opposition must remain prepared to confront such political and organisational challenges.
“There is no reason to believe that they will not try to prevent the opposition, particularly the CPI(M), through an open or covert understanding,” he said.
His remarks come at a crucial stage of the nomination process. September 8 is the final day for candidates to submit their papers.
Election Battle Enters Crucial Phase
The nomination period is likely to determine the shape of the contest for the TTAADC Village Committee elections.
For opposition parties, securing the opportunity to file nominations remains a key challenge. Sarkar’s comments indicate that the Left Front intends to closely monitor the process until the deadline.
The former chief minister also stopped short of making a final assessment of the situation. He said more information was needed from party workers and local areas.
| Related news: TTAADC VC Polls: CPIM Leads Nomination Filing Race, TMP Strong |
The next few days could therefore prove important for the opposition campaign.
Sarkar ended his remarks on a combative note. He said the opposition would have to face the challenges and continue moving forward.
“This is a struggle,” he said, stressing that the opposition must continue its fight despite the difficulties.
