As all eyes are focused on the Village Committee election, held in ADC areas on September 28 across the State results, CPIM supporters blocked a road at Maharani under Salema Block today after alleging that Tipra Motha supporters prevented their counting agents from entering the counting centre, while results from Mungiakami showed Tipra Motha winning four of six seats against BJP nominees.
Key Takeaways
- CPIM alleged obstruction, card snatching and physical assault of its counting agents at Maharani under Salema Block.
- Tipra Motha won four of six seats against BJP candidates in Mungiakami, while BJP secured two.
- Tension was also reported at Champahour under Tulashikhar Block, where security forces allegedly resorted to lathi charge.
The ADC Village Committee election counting process largely remained peaceful but witnessed tension at Maharani under Salema Block and at Champahaor under Tulashikhar Block today, on October 5.
CPIM Protest at Maharani counting centre
Counting was scheduled at Maharani High School. CPIM workers alleged that several Tipra Motha supporters stopped their counting agents from entering the centre.
The CPIM also alleged that the agents’ cards were snatched. It further claimed that some of its workers faced physical harassment and were beaten.
The allegations triggered a protest by CPIM workers and supporters at Maharani under Salema Block. They blocked a road and demanded a free and fair counting process.
The protesters insisted that counting agents representing all political parties must receive access to the counting centre. They also said they would not accept any obstruction or attack during the process.
A CPIM counting agent alleged that the group arrived at the centre to perform its duties but faced resistance immediately.
The protesters said they would continue the road blockade until they received assurances about a fair counting process.
The incident created tension in the area. Administrative measures were being taken to control the situation and facilitate the counting process.
Tipra Motha wins four of six seats in Mungiakami
The counting process in Mungiakami Block produced a contrasting political picture.
BJP and Tipra Motha nominees contested six seats in what was described as a “friendly contest”. Tipra Motha won four seats, while BJP secured two.
Two BJP candidates had already secured victories in the results announced earlier.
In the Atharomura ADC Village, BJP nominee Tahsil Debbarma defeated the Tipra Motha candidate.
BJP nominee Priya Mohan Debbarma also defeated the Tipra Motha candidate in Tui Korm ADC Village.
Tipra Motha nominees won the remaining four seats among the six ‘friendly’ contests between the two parties.
The outcome gave Tipra Motha a 4-2 advantage in the six-seat ‘friendly’ contest in Mungiakami.
Senior leaders present at Mungiakami
The Mungiakami counting centre attracted considerable political attention from the morning.
BJP MLA and Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma was present at the centre.
Tipra Motha MDC Utpal Debbarma, representing the 11 Maharani-Teliamura Autonomous District Council constituency, was also present.
The presence of senior leaders from both parties generated political interest around the counting process.
Despite the political attention, the atmosphere at the Mungiakami centre remained cordial, according to the given account.
The six-seat result therefore produced a mixed outcome. Tipra Motha emerged ahead with four victories, while BJP retained two seats.
Lathi charge reported at Champahaor
Another tense situation emerged at Champahaor under Tulashikhar Block.
Preliminary information indicated that security forces resorted to a lathi charge outside the counting centre.
The development came despite reports describing the counting process as peaceful inside the centre.
Details about the circumstances leading to the lathi charge were awaited.
The developments at Maharani under Salema Block, Mungiakami and Champaharr added contrasting elements to the day’s counting process. Peaceful counting is being reported from Mandwi and Jolaibari, among other ADC areas.
While allegations of obstruction and violence triggered a road blockade at Maharani, Mungiakami recorded a relatively cordial contest between BJP and Tipra Motha nominees.
Attention remained focused on the conduct of counting and the security arrangements at the remaining centres.
