State CPIM leader Ratan Das has accused ruling party-backed miscreants of preventing opposition candidates from filing nomination papers for village committee elections in Tripura. He alleged threats, attacks and destruction of nomination documents across several blocks in West Tripura district.
Key Takeaways
- CPIM allegation: Ratan Das accused ruling party-backed groups of obstructing opposition nominations in West Tripura.
- Document destruction claim: He alleged that nomination papers were seized and torn up in Hejamara.
- Security demand: The CPIM has sought protection for candidates and alternative arrangements for filing nominations if necessary.
The CPIM has raised allegations of intimidation and obstruction during the nomination process for village committee elections in Tripura, especially in the West District. Party leader Ratan Das claimed that ruling party-backed groups have been active across most blocks of West Tripura district since September 1.
Das made the allegations while describing a meeting between a CPIM delegation and election authorities over the nomination process.
CPIM alleges systematic obstruction
According to Das, miscreants have been stationed across West Tripura district, except Mandai block, with the alleged aim of stopping opposition candidates from submitting nominations.
He claimed that CPIM candidates face particular pressure.
“First they obstruct and threaten candidates. If that does not work, they resort to physical attacks, tear up documents and assault them,” Das said.
Das alleged that the campaign has targeted candidates before they can reach the relevant block offices. He claimed the objective is to prevent the CPIM from fielding candidates in village-level elections.
The allegations could not be independently verified from the statement.
656 seats in West Tripura district
Das said West Tripura district has 85 village areas and 656 seats. He claimed the CPIM has the organisational strength to field candidates across all the seats.
He alleged that the ruling party is aware of the CPIM’s ability to contest widely.
According to Das, the ruling side fears that a strong CPIM presence could challenge its control over village-level bodies.
He also linked the situation to the absence of village elections over the past several years. Das alleged that the ruling party does not want CPIM candidates to enter the contest because of the possibility of an electoral challenge.
Nomination papers allegedly torn up
Das cited an alleged incident in Hejamara block where CPIM candidates were stopped from submitting their documents.
“We brought our candidates with the files and nomination papers,” he said.
He alleged that the original nomination documents were taken from candidates and torn up.
Das also claimed that candidates in Dukli block had received threats over the phone. According to him, some were warned that their houses would be set on fire if they attempted to submit nominations.
He further named areas including Old Nagerjala, Jirania, Belbari and Lefunga while alleging that an atmosphere of intimidation had developed across parts of the district.
CPIM seeks security and alternative arrangements
The CPIM delegation, according to Das, demanded that the alleged obstructions be removed immediately.
The party also sought security for its candidates while travelling to nomination centres and returning home. Das said the delegation wanted candidates to receive a safe opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
He said the party also proposed an alternative arrangement.
If authorities could not guarantee security at the concerned locations, Das suggested that nomination papers should be accepted at another venue.
“Our demand is simple. Remove the obstructions and ensure that our candidates can submit their nomination papers,” Das said.
Election authorities acknowledge concerns, Das claims
Das said the election authority representative who met the delegation acknowledged the concerns raised by the CPIM.
According to Das, the official said the demands were justified and that he understood the difficulties faced by the candidates.
However, the official reportedly told the delegation that he could not take a decision alone. He said he would discuss the matter with the relevant authorities and communicate the decision later.
Das said the delegation had placed its concerns before the authorities and submitted supporting documents.
The CPIM has maintained that all eligible candidates must receive an equal opportunity to file nominations and participate in the village committee elections.
