Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha on Wednesday alleged that the democratic environment in Tripura has deteriorated since 2018, claiming that voters have faced intimidation and obstruction during elections.
Saha was speaking at a public sit-in organised by the Congress Seva Dal in front of the Pradesh Congress Bhavan in Agartala, demanding the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy and other party leaders were present at the programme.
Saha alleged that elections in the state have witnessed incidents of voters being prevented from reaching polling stations and claimed that those who attempted to exercise their franchise were subjected to pressure and harassment. He further accused the ruling party of using alleged electoral irregularities and intimidation to influence election outcomes.
Taking aim at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Saha said that those responsible for allegedly undermining the electoral process would eventually be held accountable. “Be prepared. The day the situation changes in this country and state, that is the day you will have to go to jail,” he said.
Saha also criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging that legislation had been brought in Parliament to provide protection to the Chief Election Commissioner from arrest.
He questioned the state government's claims regarding free and fair elections and referred to the Chief Minister's recent statements on the Election Commission.
The Pradesh Congress president also levelled allegations against the state government over law and order, unemployment and the functioning of the administration. He claimed that the rights of people were being curtailed in government offices and alleged that the security administration was being politically misused.
Saha further criticised the government's claim of following a “zero-tolerance” policy, alleging that incidents of organised looting and other irregularities had contributed to a deteriorating situation in the state.
