Congress Files Nominations in 50 AMC Wards, Targets ‘Corruption’ and Civic Service ‘Failures’

With this, the Congress has moved towards contesting all 51 wards in the November 27 municipal elections. The party also outlined its campaign priorities, targeting the ruling establishment over alleged corruption, unplanned urban development and failures in delivering basic civic services.

Speaking to reporters before the nomination process, Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha accused the ruling administration of failing to address longstanding urban problems despite spending substantial amounts on development projects.

He said the Congress would seek public support by raising issues that directly affect the city’s residents, including drinking water shortages, waterlogging, unemployment, environmental concerns and increased municipal taxes.

Congress Alleges Smart City Fund Misuse

Saha questioned the utilisation of funds under the Smart City project and alleged large-scale corruption in the name of urban development.

He claimed that the administration had spent substantial amounts without following a comprehensive development plan.

According to him, Agartala still lacks a proper master plan despite five years of the present administration.

The Congress leader questioned the government’s development claims, pointing to recurring waterlogging during the monsoon. He argued that the situation exposed the shortcomings of infrastructure projects undertaken under the Smart City initiative.

Saha also questioned the expenditure running into crores of rupees and asked whether the funds had genuinely served the interests of ordinary residents.

He said the Congress would prioritise planned urban development and ensure that public money serves the needs of the city’s population.

Drinking Water and Public Health Become Key Issues

The Congress president also highlighted the city’s drinking water crisis. He alleged that several localities continued to face difficulties in accessing safe drinking water.

The Congress leader claimed that contaminated water had exposed residents to various diseases, including malaria and jaundice. He further alleged that recurring public health problems had continued without adequate intervention from the municipal administration.

Saha accused the ruling establishment of failing to improve essential healthcare facilities and civic services.

He said the Congress would make access to safe drinking water, better public health services and environmental protection important components of its election campaign.

 

The party also intends to question the administration over its failure to resolve problems that affect residents across different parts of Agartala.

Employment and Small Traders Feature in Congress Agenda

Employment generation is another major issue the Congress plans to raise during the campaign.

Saha alleged that the government had failed to formulate a meaningful employment strategy for urban residents. Instead, he claimed, the administration had concentrated on developing commercial centres that primarily benefited corporate organisations.

He expressed concern over the difficulties faced by small traders and people who depend on daily business activities for their livelihoods.

The Congress leader accused the administration of taking steps to demolish shops and displace small business owners without adequately considering their economic interests.

He said the party had repeatedly protested against such actions and would continue to oppose measures that threaten the livelihoods of small traders.

Saha maintained that urban development must create opportunities for ordinary people rather than benefit only large commercial establishments.

Property Tax and Water Tax to Draw Attention

The Congress will also focus on the increase in property tax and water tax during its election campaign.

Saha alleged that higher municipal taxes had increased the financial burden on ordinary households. He said residents should not have to bear additional expenses without receiving corresponding improvements in civic services.

The party intends to connect the tax issue with its broader criticism of the administration’s performance.

Saha said the municipal election was not merely a contest to choose representatives. It was also an opportunity for residents to express their concerns over taxation, infrastructure, employment and basic services.

He said the Congress was committed to implementing planned development and improving civic amenities if voters gave the party an opportunity to run the corporation.

Congress Questions Free and Fair Poll Process

Apart from civic issues, Saha expressed concern over the atmosphere surrounding the ongoing nomination process in different urban local bodies across Tripura.

He alleged that Congress candidates had faced intimidation and physical attacks while attempting to file their nomination papers in several municipal bodies and Nagar Panchayats.

Referring to Shantirbazar, Mohanpur, Jirania, Ranirbazar and Kamalpur, he claimed that candidates had faced threats and assaults. Some had reportedly suffered injuries and returned without completing the nomination process.

The Congress president questioned whether candidates could participate freely in the elections under such circumstances.

He said the party had repeatedly urged the State Election Commission and the security administration to ensure a peaceful and impartial electoral process.

However, he alleged that the administration had failed to maintain neutrality and that intimidation by alleged ruling-party supporters had disrupted the nomination process in several areas.

Saha said the Congress was attempting to resist such incidents and would assess the overall situation after the nomination process concluded on November 6.

Despite these concerns, he expressed confidence about the party’s preparations for the AMC elections.

He said the Congress was seeking the support of Agartala’s residents and hoped that voters would back its candidates across the corporation’s 51 wards.