Leader of the Opposition of Tripura Assembly and CPIM State secretary Jitendra Choudhury leveled allegations against Dr. Vishal Kumar, the DM and the Returning Officer (RO) for the West Tripura Parliamentary Constituency, accusing him of bias toward the ruling BJP.
Choudhury stated that the CPIM has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking fair play in the election process under the supervision of Dr. Vishal Kumar.
Choudhury claimed that Dr. Vishal Kumar violated election rules by allowing a large number of BJP leaders and workers into his chamber during the nomination filing by Biplab Kumar Deb, the BJP candidate in the West Tripura parliamentary constituency.
He further alleged that during the last by-elections in Dhanpur and Boxanagar assembly constituencies, Dr. Vishal Kumar, who was the RO at that time, favored the ruling BJP, turning the elections into a farce. Choudhury alleged that Dr. Vishal Kumar, now stationed in West district, continues to exhibit bias towards the BJP.
The CPIM leader highlighted incidents during the by-elections in two assembly constituencies of Sepahijala district, where, under Dr. Vishal Kumar's oversight, the ruling BJP was permitted to hold a rally near the Returning Officer's chamber while the CPIM was denied such permission.
In addition to the allegations against Dr. Vishal Kumar, Choudhury criticized the Modi-led government at the Centre for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
He accused the government of announcing an increase in wages for MGNREGA workers nationwide, despite the MCC being in effect.
While acknowledging that the wage increase would benefit rural workers, Choudhury condemned the timing of the announcement, suggesting it was a strategic move to garner support and questioned the government's intentions.