The anticipated opposition unity in the forthcoming bye-elections for the Dhanpur and Boxanagar constituencies in Tripura appears to have suffered a setback, as the Left Front has decided to field its own candidates, diverging from the initial plans of a common opposition candidate. This decision follows the tripartite talks held involving the opposition TIPRA Motha, CPI-M, and Congress party, which aimed at preventing vote splits and the BJP’s potential victory.
In a press conference held at the Agartala Melarmath party office on Sunday, Narayan Kar, the Convenor of the Left Front, disclosed that Kaushik Chanda and Mizan Hussain would be the Left Front’s candidates for the Dhanpur and Boxanagar constituencies, respectively. The Dhanpur seat became vacant after Pratima Bhowmik’s resignation, while the Boxanagar bye-election was necessitated by the unfortunate demise of CPM MLA Samsul Haque, whose son, Mizan Hussain, is now stepping into the political arena.
Kar did not hold back in his criticism of the ruling BJP, alleging that the bye-elections were being held against the backdrop of national tension where attacks on the constitution and democracy were being perpetrated by the BJP. He characterized the BJP’s approach as “fascistic” and warned of its negative impact on the general public.
Highlighting restrictions on opposition political activities in the constituencies since the BJP government came to power, Kar indicated that the Left Front’s decision to field its own candidates was driven by the aim to counter the BJP’s influence and secure a victory.
CPI-M State Secretary Jitendra Choudhury echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to thwart the BJP’s advances in the bye-elections and avoid splitting anti-BJP votes. He appealed to other opposition parties, including the Congress and TIPRA Motha, to unite against the BJP for the sake of preserving democracy and upholding the constitution.
Narayan Kar also made a plea to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to implement comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming bye-elections.
As the political landscape evolves in the lead-up to the bye-elections, the initial optimism regarding opposition unity appears to have given way to strategic moves by the Left Front. The focus now remains on the broader objective of challenging the ruling BJP’s hold on these constituencies and preventing any division among anti-BJP votes.
