Veteran CPIM leader Manik Sarkar claimed that opposition candidates faced attacks and physical obstruction while filing nominations for the urban local body elections. The alleged incidents occurred in five subdivisions after the poll schedule was announced. The Tripura High Court directed the DGP to ensure adequate security for candidates submitting their nomination papers.
At A Glance
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Manik Sarkar alleges that BJP-backed groups obstructed opposition nominations in five Tripura subdivisions, including Kamalpur and Jirania.
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He claims four people suffered head injuries in the first Kamalpur incident and another 15 were injured in a subsequent attack.
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Tripura High Court directs the DGP to ensure adequate security for candidates filing nominations in five subdivisions.
The ruling BJP faces fresh allegations of election-related intimidation in Tripura. Veteran CPIM leader and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has accused the ruling BJP of using intimidation, physical attacks and deliberate obstruction to prevent opposition candidates from filing nominations for the upcoming urban local body elections. He alleged that vehicles and even a bulldozer were positioned outside a government office in Kamalpur to block candidates from entering and submitting their papers.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sarkar alleged that attacks and threats against opposition leaders began soon after the State Election Commission announced the election schedule. He identified Kamalpur, Jirania, Ranirbazar, Mohanpur and Santirbazar as subdivisions where opposition candidates and party workers had allegedly encountered obstruction.
The allegations have intensified the political confrontation ahead of the civic elections. Sarkar also referred to a Tripura High Court order directing the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure adequate security in all five subdivisions to facilitate the nomination process.
Bulldozer Allegedly Deployed Outside Kamalpur SDM Office
Describing the incidents in Kamalpur, Sarkar alleged that four people sustained head injuries when CPIM candidates first attempted to submit their nomination papers.
He said the injured had to be shifted to a district hospital because the local hospital lacked adequate facilities to provide the necessary treatment.
The former Chief Minister further alleged that opposition candidates subsequently faced obstruction outside the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s (SDM) office.
Sarkar claimed that another attempt to submit nomination papers resulted in a fresh attack, leaving 15 people injured.
He also alleged that CPIM leaders faced attacks in Ranirbazar and Jirania. In Santirbazar, he claimed, party leaders encountered intimidation and threats.
The CPIM leader said opposition representatives had brought these incidents to the attention of the concerned election authorities and district magistrates. However, he alleged that they had not received satisfactory assurances regarding the safety of candidates and party workers.
High Court Orders Security Arrangements in Five Subdivisions
Referring to Friday’s Tripura High Court order, Sarkar said the court had directed the DGP to ensure adequate security in Kamalpur, Jirania, Ranirbazar, Mohanpur and Santirbazar.
The order came in response to a writ petition filed by the CPIM state committee and seven intending candidates.
The petitioners had sought intervention over the alleged obstruction and security concerns surrounding the nomination process. Sarkar said the court had directed the police to ensure that opposition candidates could file their nomination papers without obstruction.
He added that the opposition would assess the security arrangements before deciding on its next course of action.
Sarkar also criticised the State Election Commission for allegedly refusing to engage with opposition representatives who visited its office to register their protest.
He claimed that the delegation had expressed its willingness to meet the commission and discuss the incidents. However, the representatives were not invited for discussions.
Unemployment, Price Rise to Feature in Civic Poll Campaign
Sarkar maintained that the upcoming urban local body elections would not remain confined to municipal infrastructure and basic civic services.
He said issues such as unemployment, rising prices and the deteriorating law and order situation would figure prominently in the campaign. Roads, drainage, drinking water and electricity would also remain important electoral issues.
The former Chief Minister alleged that urban local bodies had failed to discharge even their basic responsibilities. He questioned their performance in providing essential civic services to residents.
Sarkar expressed confidence that voters would convey their political preferences through the ballot if they received an opportunity to exercise their franchise freely.
He stressed that voters must be able to participate in the elections without fear, intimidation or external pressure.
Left Front-Congress Seat-Sharing Talks Yet to Conclude
On the possibility of an opposition understanding, Sarkar confirmed that the Left Front and Congress had held discussions on seat-sharing at the local level.
He said leaders of the two parties had reached an understanding in Teliamura and Kumarghat. However, negotiations in several other subdivisions, including Agartala, had not produced a final agreement.
Sarkar pointed out that the November 10 deadline for withdrawal of nominations provided additional time for both parties to continue discussions.
He indicated that further negotiations could lead to adjustments in constituencies where the two sides had yet to reach an understanding.
Sarkar Condemns Attack on BSF Personnel in Boxanagar
Separately, Sarkar condemned the recent attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Boxanagar.
He condemned the incident as an attempt to take the law into one’s own hands and said people should address grievances against security personnel through legal channels instead of resorting to violence.
He called for the identification of those responsible and demanded appropriate legal action against them.
