Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar alleges Left candidates face obstruction, intimidation and threats while filing nominations for upcoming Village Council elections.
Former Tripura Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar has alleged that opposition candidates, particularly those representing the Left Front, are facing deliberate obstruction while attempting to file nomination papers for the upcoming Village Council elections in the state.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Sarkar claimed that incidents of intimidation and obstruction have been reported from several sub-divisions, with Jirania and Mohanpur emerging as areas where the situation is particularly serious. He said the deadline for filing nomination papers is September 8, leaving opposition candidates with limited time to complete the electoral process.
According to Sarkar, Left Front candidates are continuing their efforts to submit nominations despite facing alleged threats and pressure. He claimed that the situation is significantly different from previous elections, with what he described as a direct effort to prevent CPI(M) and other Left Front candidates from entering the electoral contest.
“Compared to previous elections, this time there is a direct attempt to block CPI(M) and Left Front candidates from submitting nominations,” Sarkar said. He added that smaller incidents of obstruction have also been reported from other areas across the state.
The former Chief Minister said he would personally visit party offices to collect detailed information about the alleged incidents before making a comprehensive assessment. He acknowledged that the party does not yet have a complete picture of the situation but maintained that the pattern of alleged obstruction cannot be ignored.
Sarkar also highlighted what he described as growing determination among people to participate in the electoral process. He said citizens and Left supporters are showing courage and maintaining a positive attitude despite the difficulties they allegedly face while trying to contest the elections.
According to the veteran CPI(M) leader, the willingness of opposition candidates to continue with the nomination process demonstrates their desire to exercise democratic rights and participate in the electoral battle.
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Sarkar also criticised the ruling party, alleging that the reported obstruction reflected fear and political insecurity. He claimed that the ruling party was reluctant to face the opposition in a free electoral contest and was therefore allegedly creating barriers for its candidates.
“The ruling party is too frightened to contest elections alone. That is why they are resorting to creating barriers,” Sarkar asserted.
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He urged Left Front supporters and candidates to remain firm and continue the nomination process despite the alleged challenges. Sarkar described the upcoming Village Council elections as an important political struggle and called upon Left supporters to confront the situation through continued participation in the democratic process.
