A CPI(M) party office in Kalacherra, North Tripura, was vandalised following the Bihar election results. Party leaders condemned rising political attacks, alleging suppression of opposition rights, restricted nominations, polling interference, and voter list manipulation. They vowed to rebuild the office with public support.
A CPI(M) party office in the Kalacherra area under North Tripura district was vandalised on Saturday in what the Left party has described as a targeted act of political intimidation. While no injuries were reported, the damage to the office sparked strong condemnation from CPI(M) leaders, who visited the site later in the day to assess the situation and address party supporters.
According to local CPI(M) members, the attack occurred early in the morning, shortly after the declaration of the Bihar election results. Party workers alleged that miscreants broke into the premises, damaging furniture, tearing posters and flags, and smashing parts of the building. Although no CCTV footage was immediately available, the CPI(M) leadership claimed that the pattern of violence pointed to politically motivated miscreants.
A delegation of CPI(M) leaders led by senior leader Yadav Lal Nath reached the vandalised office to meet local party workers and express solidarity. Speaking to the press, Nath strongly criticised the incident, calling it “a direct attack on democracy and a calculated attempt to silence the opposition.”
Yadav Lal Nath’s Remarks
“The attack on our party office clearly shows how the democratic space for the opposition is shrinking in Tripura. Such incidents are becoming routine because ruling party supporters feel emboldened after elections. They have been targeting opposition offices in several parts of the state.”
He further alleged that the ruling party’s supporters have been carrying out systematic attacks on CPI(M) offices and workers over the past few years.
“Across many areas, our candidates are not even allowed to submit their nominations freely. Our polling agents are stopped at the gates of polling stations. This is not how democracy is supposed to function,” Nath added.
Concerns Over Bihar Election Process
In a significant political statement, Nath also raised concerns about the Bihar election process, questioning the credibility of the electoral roll and voting mechanisms. He alleged that many genuine voters in Bihar found their names missing from the voter list, which he described as “a serious threat to democratic participation.”
“We received several complaints that voters’ names were removed without justification. We also continue to express concerns over the transparency of the EVM system. Every election must be conducted in a manner that inspires trust, but unfortunately that trust is diminishing,” Nath said.
Although the CPI(M) did not present immediate documentary evidence to support these allegations, party leaders said they would compile detailed reports in the coming days.
Ruling Party Yet to Respond
Local authorities stated that they had not yet received a formal complaint regarding the attack but would initiate an investigation once one was filed. Meanwhile, ruling party leaders did not issue any public statement as of Saturday evening. However, political insiders suggest that the ruling party may dismiss the allegations as the CPI(M)’s attempt to politicise a minor incident.
CPI(M) Promises to Rebuild With Public Support
Despite the vandalism, CPI(M) leaders remained defiant. Addressing supporters gathered outside the damaged office, Nath announced that the party would rebuild the Kalacherra office—this time even bigger and with public involvement.
“The miscreants may break our walls, but they cannot break the unity of the people. With the support of the public, we will rebuild an even stronger and larger office in Kalacherra,” Nath declared.
Local party workers echoed the sentiment, stating that the attack had energised rather than discouraged them.
Growing Concerns Over Political Violence
The incident adds to the rising list of political clashes and acts of vandalism reported across Tripura in recent months. Several political analysts have raised concerns that such incidents may intensify as election activities pick up in various states.
CPI(M) leaders reiterated that the attack on their office was a reflection of the broader climate of intolerance.
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Locals in Kalacherra expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that political rivalry should not lead to destruction of public or party property. Many called for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that such disturbances do not escalate.
