Jitendra Chaudhury, the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of violating the Model Code of Conduct in the lead-up to the upcoming by-elections in Tripura. Chaudhury’s allegations are centered on various instances of alleged misconduct and have prompted him to write a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura, demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those found responsible.
In his letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Chaudhury referenced a media report, claiming that Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, BJP candidate from the 20-Boxanagar constituency, Tafajjal Hossain, and other BJP leaders had addressed a hall meeting attended by government employees at Manikyanagar on August 27. This alleged incident, if true, would violate the Model Code of Conduct.
Chaudhury also pointed to another media report, alleging that Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha had addressed a meeting of Madrasa teachers and Muslim Imams at Kamalnagar, which falls under the 20-Boxanagar constituency, on August 28.
The CPM state secretary further noted in his letter that on August 20, BJP candidates and leaders had organized similar meetings with Madrasa teachers. Additionally, on August 24, BJP leaders reportedly directed all Asha Workers of the Sub-Division to attend BJP meetings at Boxanagar Community Hall and Matingar Community Hall, threatening them with termination if they were absent. Minister Tinku Roy was alleged to have distributed sarees and envelopes containing Rs. 1000 each to all Asha Workers present at these meetings.
Chaudhury also claimed that Minister Bikash Debbarma visited tribal areas, promising to expedite the sanctioning of rubber plantations upon submission of land documents, which he allegedly collected from villagers. A video clip supporting this claim was submitted to the CEO.
Moreover, Chaudhury accused Minister Ratanlal Nath of making provocative statements, alleging that after 12 noon on the day of the poll, CPI(M) workers would not be present at any polling booths. Chaudhury perceived this as a signal to BJP followers to intimidate opposition polling agents and voters.
In response to these allegations, Chaudhury demanded immediate preventive measures to curb the alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing the importance of conducting the by-elections in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. The allegations have added fuel to the political fire in the lead-up to the elections, with heightened scrutiny expected as investigations unfold.
