September 12, 2018: Former Chief Minister and Opposition leader as well as CPI(M) Politburo member Manik Sarkar today came down heavily on Police administration and the State Election Commission for failing to protect democratic rights of opposition parties. Addressing a press conference today in Agartala, Manik Sarkar accused BJP of unleashing violence prior to panchayat by-polls slated to be held on September 30 next.
Manik Sarkar reiterated CPI(M)’s demand to cancel the ongoing by-poll procedure and conduct by- polls only after ensuring tight security for opposition parties. He however, did not mention about future plans of the Party, if the Commission go ahead with on-going election process.
In fact, with available trend, there is no hint of deferment of by-polls even though opposition Parties – CPIM and Congress as well as BJP’s ally IPFT demanded deferment of the on-going process. The administration started scrutiny of nomination papers after last date of nomination (on September 11, 2018) was over.
During his hour long press conference, Manik Sarkar narrated long list of assaults on CPIM candidates allegedly by BJP activists and he detailed about CPI(M) candidates futile attempts in most of the blocks in filing nomination papers. He said, Left Party leaders recently met the officials of the State Election Commission and urged them to take stern action paving way for opposition parties to participate in democratic process. However, Commission, civil and Police administration miserably failed to protect democracy in the face of BJP’s aggression, Sarkar alleged.
Sarkar hurled allegations to BJP-IPFT for spoiling democracy and disturbing peace in the State. He also alleged, CPM candidates could not file nominations due to intimidation and violence in almost all the
block offices. He urged the State Government and State Election Commission to take steps immediately so that
Opposition parties can take part in Panchayat by-polls in the State.
“In the face of aggressive BJP activists, Government employees like BDOs were helpless and Police forces were effectively reduced to mute spectator”, Manik Sarkar alleged. He also fired salvo at State Election Com-
mission for failure in ensuring free and fair election. He said, abject failure of Police and Election Commission in-
dicate that democratic ambience in the State in danger.
He bitterly criticized the BJP and IPFT for destroying democratic practices by resorting to violence. Pointing fingers at BJP, Sarkar said, new Government is trying to establish one-party rule in the State using muscle power and taking steps to silent opposition voices.
Highlighting emerging political situation in the State, Manik Sarkar urged the State Government and State Election commission to take steps so that Opposition parties can participate in democratic practices and fight polls.
