The CPI(M) in Tripura has expressed grave concerns over alleged orchestrated attacks on its party cadres during the nomination process for the upcoming panchayat elections. At a press conference held at the party headquarters in Agartala, Narayan Kar, the convenor of the Left Front, accused the ruling BJP and the state government of instigating widespread violence aimed at obstructing CPI(M) members from submitting their nominations. In response to escalating incidents of violence, CPI(M) representatives met with the State Election Commissioner again on Tuesday to register their concerns. Subsequently, the party filed a petition with the High Court of Tripura, citing the alleged failure of the SEC and police administration to ensure a peaceful electoral environment. The High Court has accepted the petition and scheduled a hearing for July 18 to address the CPI(M)’s grievances and assess the situation.
Kar emphasized that as the election date approaches, individuals affiliated with the BJP have reportedly targeted opposition party cadres in a concerted effort to disrupt the nomination filing process. He expressed dismay over what he described as unprovoked attacks on CPI(M) members and criticized the State Election Commission (SEC) and police administration for their alleged failure to provide adequate protection.
According to Kar, the CPI(M) first approached the State Election Commissioner on July 14, seeking intervention and highlighting incidents of violence. The Commissioner assured them of having instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to address the matter. However, a subsequent meeting with the DGP on July 15 did not yield any assurance of effective action, as the DGP claimed to have not received any directive from the SEC.
Kar further recounted that prior to the official announcement of the election schedule, CPI(M) had urged the SEC to take necessary steps to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process. However, he claimed that their requests were not adequately addressed, leading to increased incidents of violence during the nomination period.
In light of these developments, CPI(M) has demanded an extension of the nomination submission deadline and urged for police protection to safeguard opposition candidates during the process. The party maintains that such attacks undermine the democratic process and raise serious concerns about the fairness of the upcoming panchayat elections in Tripura.
