December 27, 2018: The Opposition CPI(M) have withdrawn their candidates from four civic bodies including Agartala Municipal Corporation, while the opposition Congress demanded re-polls for the seats of five civic bodies. Meanwhile, Election Commission sources said, appr 81.01 per cent votes were cast. Notably, total 158 seats fell vacant – however, BJP already won in 51 seats and polls were held today in 67 seats.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala today, CPI(M) state secretary Goutam Das alleged that ruling Party activists resorted to violence and intimidation. He said, CPIM candidates from four wards of AMC, 15 wards from Belonia, five wards from Shantirbazar and 11 more wards from Bishalgarh civic bodies withdrew their candidatures.
Listen CPIM leader’s detailed Statement
Congress too accused BJP activists of unleashing violence. Speaking to media today, Congress spokesperson Harekrishna Bhowmik held BJP responsible for violence and alleged that BJP activists had stopped their supporters from voting. He demanded re-polls for four AMC wards and all seats under civic bodies of Udaipur, Belonia, Melaghar and Bishalgarh.
However, BJP rubbished the report of poll violence and claimed that the by-polls were held peacefully. Speaking to media, BJP State secretary Pratima Bhowmik said, victory of BJP in by-polls is certain and Opposition parties will lose their deposits. Staring at defeat, opposition parties are trying to accuse BJP of violence to cover up their failures in gaining popular support.
