Radhacharan Debbarma, former Chief Executive Member of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), on Sunday accused the Tipra Motha Party of fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation during the ongoing District Council elections.
After casting his vote, Debbarma alleged that in the Jirania constituency of West District, several polling agents from his party were obstructed from entering polling stations and were even forced out.
He said he had to step in personally to ensure that at least one polling station allowed their agents inside.
He further claimed that since the previous day, Tipra Motha workers had been issuing threats to CPI(M) polling agents, creating panic among them. Despite these challenges, he noted that voters were still turning up to exercise their franchise.
Debbarma also alleged that the use of force and intimidation began as early as the nomination stage, calling the situation unacceptable and suggesting that a deliberate climate of tension had been created. He added, however, that no complaints had been made against the Bharatiya Janata Party in this regard.
