The CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) has expressed concern over incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by BJP-backed individuals as the Panchayat elections approach. On June 24 in a press conference the CPI-M leaders detailed several violent incidents and criticized the local administration for their inaction. They reported specific attacks on their workers, including physical assaults in Boxanagar RB Block, where no action was taken by the Block Development Officer (BDO) present at the scene, and an attack on three CPI-M workers in the Salema block area on June 9 after an all-party meeting organized by the BDO.
CPI-M leaders claimed that BJP miscreants entered their Bishalgarh sub-divisional committee office on June 21 and June 22, threatening party activists.
In response to these incidents, the CPI-M submitted a deputation to the State Election Commissioner, demanding the restoration of a conducive environment for the Panchayat elections, the facilitation of online submission of nominations, the security of candidates, particularly those from opposition parties, and the deployment of adequate paramilitary forces.
Senior CPI-M leaders Manik Dey, Pabitra Kar, and Ratan Bhowmik condemned the violence and the inaction of the ruling BJP during a press briefing.
Earlier, CPI-M had announced a statewide agitation scheduled from June 26 to June 30. The agitation, unveiled during a press conference led by CPI-M state secretary Jiten Choudhury on Sunday, aims to denounce what they describe as the BJP’s deep entanglement in corrupt practices.
Choudhury articulated the party’s concerns, highlighting accusations against the BJP-led government for purportedly facilitating the construction of a private medical college without due legislative process. According to him, this project in Dukli is reportedly backed by funds from a Trinamool leader currently under CBI investigation for involvement in a cattle smuggling racket.
Moreover, Choudhury raised objections to the alleged imminent handover of IGM Hospital to a private entity without fulfilling mandatory affiliation requirements. He asserted that such actions by the BJP government undermine democratic procedures and public welfare.
“We urge the people of Tripura to join us in this protest against corruption and the mismanagement of the BJP administration,” Choudhury appealed, emphasizing the CPI-M’s commitment to addressing these issues through both agitation and forthcoming electoral campaigns for Panchayat elections.
