The nomination process for the August 8 three-tier Panchayat elections in Tripura kicked off on Thursday amidst allegations from Congress and the CPIM about hijacking of nomination papers and inadequate security arrangements.

The alleged hijacking of nomination took place near Satchand Block under the South Tripura District. The CPIM red flagged security arrangements in Nalchar under the Sepahijala district today.

The South Tripura district Congress claimed shortly after an all-party meeting aimed at ensuring a smooth nomination process for the polls was held, ruling BJP workers forcibly took nomination papers from their candidates near Satchand RD Block.

The Congress party sources said, Pradesh Congress member Shankar Malla led a three-member delegation to the meeting.

Party leaders alleged, following the discussions, local Congress leaders were reportedly attacked by BJP supporters who seized their nomination papers.

Meantime, in the Sonamura sub-division, which includes the Boxanagar, Nalchar, Mohanbhog, and Kathalia rural development blocks, the CPIM also raised security concerns at the Nalchar.

Although CPIM candidates managed to submit nominations in Boxanagar, Mohanbhog, and Kathalia, the situation in Nalchar, according to CPIM leaders, was different and problematic.

A large group of CPIM supporters, led by former MLA Tapan Chandra Das, gathered at the Nalchar Block Office to file nominations for thirteen Panchayat Samiti seats and various Gram Panchayat seats. BJP activists also gathered in good numbers for the same purpose.

Even as both the ruling and opposition party supporters in large numbers assembled near the RD block office, number of security personnel was shockingly inadequate – 
only 5-6 police officers were on duty, which Das considered insufficient given the large crowd and the tense environment.

Das clarified that there was no direct interference from BJP workers, but the lack of adequate police presence created a sense of insecurity among CPIM members.

He expressed frustration that their repeated requests for better security went unheeded.

The situation demands immediate attention from authorities to ensure a fair and peaceful election process, the former CPIM MLA said.