At A Glance
-
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha warns that BJP members involved in obstructing opposition candidates will face action.
-
He calls for proper investigations into the alleged incidents in Kherpur and Kamalpur.
-
BJP holds an organisational meeting in Agartala as its civic poll candidate list awaits central leadership’s approval.
He said the party would not protect anyone found involved in such incidents, irrespective of their position or political affiliation.
Speaking to reporters at the BJP’s state headquarters in Agartala, the Chief Minister also called for proper investigations into the alleged incidents in Kherpur and Kamalpur.
His remarks came amid growing political tensions ahead of elections to the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), other municipal bodies and Nagar Panchayats across the state.
The Chief Minister’s comments assume significance as opposition parties have alleged that their candidates are facing obstacles while submitting nomination papers. The BJP, meanwhile, has yet to announce its official candidate list for the civic polls.
CM Calls for Probe into Kherpur, Kamalpur Incidents
Responding to questions about the alleged incident in Kherpur, Dr Manik Saha said he had read reports about the matter in newspapers.
He described the incident as unacceptable and stressed the need for an impartial investigation.
“The incident in Kherpur cannot be accepted under any circumstances. If it actually happened, there should be a proper investigation and action must be taken according to the law,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the incident in Kamalpur. However, he clarified that he did not have the complete details of what had happened there.
Dr Saha said he would speak to the concerned persons after the organisational meeting to gather more information.
He also reiterated that the BJP would not tolerate the involvement of its members in political intimidation or obstruction.
“I have repeatedly stated that if anyone from our party is involved in such incidents, that person will not be spared under any circumstances,” the Chief Minister said.
His remarks sought to underline the party’s position that allegations of political misconduct must face proper scrutiny and that those found responsible must face legal consequences.
Ramnagar Nomination Obstruction Allegation Raises Political Tension
The Chief Minister also faced questions about allegations that opposition candidates were being prevented from submitting nomination papers for the upcoming civic elections.
One of the specific allegations concerns Ramnagar, where miscreants reportedly surrounded the Returning Officer’s office. The situation allegedly prevented CPIM candidates from filing their nomination papers.
Responding to the allegation, Dr Saha said opposition parties could raise such complaints. However, he maintained that the BJP had repeatedly instructed its members not to obstruct candidates from submitting nominations.
According to the Chief Minister, the party leadership had made its position clear on the nomination process. Nobody should prevent any candidate from exercising the right to file nomination papers.
The allegation has added to the political debate over the conduct of the upcoming civic elections. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the freedom of candidates to participate in the electoral process.
Chief Minister Refers to Political Culture During Left Rule
While responding to questions about the alleged obstruction, Dr Saha also referred to the political atmosphere during the previous Left Front government.
He claimed that political obstruction had continued for a long period under the earlier regime. According to him, past experiences had left resentment among sections of people.
The Chief Minister suggested that such grievances continued despite efforts to explain the present government’s position.
However, he stressed that the state should not witness a repetition of such incidents. His remarks indicated that the BJP leadership wanted to prevent political confrontations during the nomination process.
The Chief Minister’s response combined a defence of the party’s official instructions with a warning that BJP members would face consequences if investigations established their involvement in any wrongdoing.
BJP Holds Key Organisational Meeting Ahead of ULB Polls
Meanwhile, the BJP organised an important meeting at its state headquarters in Agartala on Saturday. Dr Manik Saha attended the meeting along with other party office-bearers.
The discussions focused on improving coordination among organisational leaders and reviewing party activities ahead of the civic body elections.
The Chief Minister said the newly appointed state in-charge had taken the initiative to organise the meeting. The arrangement also followed suggestions from the central leadership.
He said the party wanted to maintain regular coordination among its office-bearers and strengthen organisational activities.
The meeting assumes importance as the BJP prepares for the upcoming elections across the state’s municipal bodies and Nagar Panchayats.
BJP Candidate List Awaits Central Leadership’s Approval
The BJP has not yet officially announced its candidates for the forthcoming civic body elections. Although the party has advanced its candidate selection process, it is awaiting approval from the central leadership before publishing the final list.
The delay has kept the party’s electoral preparations under close political observation.
The organisational meeting in Agartala, attended by the Chief Minister, has therefore attracted attention ahead of the announcement.
The upcoming elections have already generated political activity across the state. Allegations of obstruction during nomination filing have added another layer of tension to the electoral preparations.
Dr Saha’s warning against party members involved in such incidents comes at a crucial stage of the election process.
With the BJP yet to finalise its candidate list and opposition parties raising concerns over nomination-related obstacles, the political atmosphere ahead of the Tripura ULB polls continues to intensify.
