Even as the opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) faces steady defection before the bye polls the party , nevertheless, intensified its campaign in Boxanagar, where the party traditionally holds a strong presence. Addressing a party rally in support of their candidate Mijan Hossain, CPI-M state secretary Jitendra Choudhury accused the ruling BJP of obstructing development and claimed that Boxanagar had witnessed substantial progress under the previous Left Front government’s administration.
Choudhury credited CPI-M MLAs Sahid Chowdhury and Samsul Haque with bringing real development to Boxanagar and the Sonamura subdivision. He confidently stated, “We believe that in the upcoming bye-elections, the people of Boxanagar will once again vote for the Left Front.”
Choudhury’s remarks suggested that the CPI-M believes there is no compelling reason for Boxanagar residents to support the ruling party, referencing the results of the last assembly elections.
He added, “We are seeking votes in both Boxanagar and Dhanpur constituencies because the people of this state wanted to remove the BJP from power in the last assembly elections due to their misrule and anti-people policies.”
Choudhury further alleged that residents of Tripura, from all walks of life, are frustrated with the government’s inability to fulfill pre-election promises over the last five years, particularly affecting marginalized communities such as farmers.
Former minister of the erstwhile Left Front government, Manik Dey, also criticized the ruling BJP, accusing them of squandering public funds on self-promotion and highlighting alleged irregularities in the Public Distribution System (PDS). Dey continued his criticism, claiming that the BJP had failed to make significant improvements in Tripura’s infrastructure, particularly roads and highways.
As the by-election date approaches, the political landscape in Boxanagar remains charged with competing claims and rhetoric from both the ruling and opposition parties, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral battle.
Earlier, over 200 voters defected to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha during a gathering in Boxanagar on Monday. Dr. Saha expressed his confidence in securing victory in the upcoming bye-elections for both the Boxanagar and Dhanpur assembly constituencies, slated for September 5.
