The Tripura Left Front Committee has accused BJP supporters of allegedly intimidating opposition candidates and preventing them from filing nomination papers for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, prompting the opposition bloc to seek the deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces across all urban areas of the state.
In a letter dated October 31 to the State Election Commissioner, Left Front Committee Convener Manik Dey expressed serious concern over the alleged deterioration of the electoral atmosphere and called for urgent intervention to ensure that candidates can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.
Referring to the concerns raised by opposition parties during the All Party Meeting convened by the State Election Commission on September 14, Dey alleged that the apprehensions had started turning into reality soon after the announcement of the election schedule.
Citing an incident in Jirania, he claimed that opposition representatives were unable to participate in the All Party Meeting organised by the Returning Officer, who is also the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jirania. The letter alleged that a Congress representative was assaulted by alleged BJP supporters while proceeding towards the Returning Officer's office and was forced to abandon his visit.
The Left Front leader further alleged that similar incidents of intimidation and obstruction were being reported from Jirania, Kamalpur and Mohanpur, where opposition candidates were allegedly facing difficulties in reaching the offices of Returning Officers to submit their nomination papers.
In Kamalpur of Dhalai district, Dey claimed that CPI(M) candidates who had gathered at the party office to proceed together for nomination filing were allegedly confined by miscreants and threatened with serious consequences if they attempted to submit their papers.
Likewise, in Mohanpur under West Tripura district, roads leading to the Returning Officer's office were allegedly blocked by miscreants to prevent CPI(M) candidates from filing their nominations. The Left Front Committee has also enclosed photographs with its letter in support of its allegations.
Drawing a parallel with the 2021 Urban Local Body elections, Dey alleged that opposition candidates had been systematically prevented from contesting, resulting in BJP candidates winning all seats uncontested in several urban local bodies, including Kamalpur, Jirania, Ranirbazar, Mohanpur, Udaipur, Santirbazar and Bishalgarh.
The Left Front convener warned that a repetition of the 2021 experience would seriously undermine the democratic process and deprive voters of their right to choose their representatives through a fair electoral contest.
Seeking immediate corrective measures, the committee placed three major demands before the State Election Commission. It first called for adequate police protection and escorts for opposition candidates travelling to and returning from the offices of Returning Officers, particularly in Kamalpur, Jirania, Ranirbazar, Mohanpur, Udaipur, Santirbazar and Bishalgarh.
It also demanded security for candidates, their family members and residential premises after the submission of nomination papers to prevent possible retaliatory attacks or intimidation.
The third and major demand was the deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) in all urban local body areas until the completion of the entire electoral process.
Dey further urged the Commission to ensure adequate security personnel along all roads leading to the Returning Officers' offices and take strict action against those allegedly attempting to disrupt the nomination process.
The Left Front maintained that the Election Commission must act promptly to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties and ensure that the upcoming ULB elections are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere.
