Tripura Leader of Opposition and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury on Tuesday raised concerns over incidents of violence reported during the Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), alleging political interference in parts of the polling process.
Reacting to incidents reported from Gomati district, Chaudhury said attacks and clashes during an election were a matter of concern and alleged that the law-and-order situation in Tripura had deteriorated under the BJP-led government.
At the same time, the CPI(M) leader acknowledged the efforts of the police and civil administration to conduct the elections impartially. He said officials engaged in election duties should not be targeted and that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Attacks on officials should not take place. The police and civil administration have been working to conduct the election process impartially,” Chaudhury said.
He also raised questions over reports concerning the presence of BJP supporters near a strongroom and criticised the BJP-Tipra Motha alliance in this context. Chaudhury alleged that although Tipra Motha leaders had spoken of police action against those involved, political influence could affect subsequent action. The allegations could not be independently verified.
Chaudhury further referred to the reported firing at Warengbari in Gomati district, where a Tipra Motha candidate sustained a gunshot injury. Police said the candidate and two others were injured in the incident, while efforts were underway to identify those responsible.
He also alleged that vehicles carrying people from outside the area had reached the polling location and attempted to interfere with voting. Chaudhury claimed that vehicle registration numbers had been recorded and alleged that several of those involved were BJP supporters. These claims have not been independently verified.
In another incident, a clash was reported near the Gamaria school strongroom in Gomati district, during which Superintendent of Police Anirban Das and other police personnel were injured.
Despite the incidents, Chaudhury highlighted the voter turnout as a positive feature of the election. He said the substantial participation reflected public interest in the Village Committee polls and noted that voters had turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
