CPI(M) Candidates Face Poll Pressure as Tripura Seeks Answers

Tripura civic polls have come under fresh controversy after the CPI(M) alleged that opposition candidates faced intimidation, threats and forced withdrawal attempts during the nomination process. The Left party has accused the ruling BJP’s supporters of obstructing candidates and demanded urgent intervention from the State Election Commission (SEC).

The allegations have raised concerns about the participation of opposition parties in the November 27 elections to 21 urban local bodies across Tripura. The CPI(M) has also questioned the effectiveness of security arrangements and called for accountability from the election authorities.

CPI(M) raises allegations of intimidation during Tripura civic polls

Tripura Left Front convener Manik Dey accused BJP supporters of preventing opposition candidates from reaching Returning Officers’ offices in several areas. In a representation to State Election Commissioner Pradip Kumar Chakraborty, Dey described incidents of alleged obstruction in Jirania, Kamalpur and Mohanpur.

According to the Left Front, candidates faced threats while attempting to submit their nomination papers. Dey alleged that roads leading to nomination centres were blocked and that party workers were pressured to abandon their attempts to contest the elections.

In Kamalpur, CPI(M) candidates who had gathered at their party office to proceed together reportedly faced intimidation. The party claimed that supporters surrounded the premises and threatened candidates with serious consequences if they attempted to file their papers.

Similar allegations emerged from Mohanpur, where the Left Front claimed that access roads to the Returning Officer’s office had been blocked. The party also referred to an incident in Jirania involving an alleged assault on a Congress representative travelling to an official meeting.

The CPI(M) said these incidents had created an atmosphere of fear among opposition candidates and demanded immediate administrative intervention.

Left Front seeks Election Commission intervention

The Left Front submitted several demands to the State Election Commission, seeking stronger security measures throughout the election process.

Firstly, it demanded police escorts for opposition candidates travelling between designated locations and Returning Officers’ offices. The arrangement, according to the party, should cover sensitive areas, including Kamalpur, Jirania, Ranirbazar, Mohanpur, Udaipur and Santirbazar.

Secondly, the committee sought protection for candidates, their family members and their residences after nomination filing. It expressed concern that candidates could face retaliation for participating in the elections.

Additionally, the Left Front demanded the deployment of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces across urban local body areas until the election process concludes. It also called for security personnel along roads leading to nomination centres.

Manik Dey argued that the authorities must ensure equal opportunities for every political party. He warned that intimidation could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

Tripura civic polls face controversy over court directions

The controversy intensified after the Tripura High Court issued directions concerning security for CPI(M)-sponsored candidates in five sensitive subdivisions.

On November 6, a division bench directed the Director General of Police to make necessary security arrangements. The order covered Jirania, Ranirbazar, Mohanpur, Santirbazar and Kamalpur, allowing intending candidates to submit nomination papers without hindrance.

However, Left Front convener Manik Dey subsequently alleged that the authorities failed to implement the court’s directions effectively. He claimed that several party candidates remained unable to submit their nominations before the November 6 deadline.

The party questioned why additional security arrangements had not ensured access to nomination centres despite judicial intervention.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury also accused BJP supporters of obstructing three opposition candidates at the Returning Officer’s office in Teliamura on the final day of nomination filing.

He alleged that the candidates faced threats even after entering the office premises and were ultimately forced to leave without completing the process.

These claims remain allegations made by opposition leaders and have not been independently established.

Election authorities reject allegations of obstruction

The State Election Commission has maintained that its arrangements were sufficient to ensure a smooth nomination process.

State Election Commissioner Pradip Kumar Chakraborty rejected opposition allegations of obstruction, saying reports received from Returning Officers did not confirm that candidates had been prevented from submitting nomination papers.

He said the Commission had remained in contact with election officials and directed authorities to provide adequate security around nomination centres and connecting roads.

The Commission also appointed election observers to monitor different stages of the electoral process, including nomination scrutiny, withdrawals, polling and counting.

Meanwhile, official figures showed that 879 candidates submitted 1,109 nomination papers for the 345 wards across 21 urban local bodies.

The BJP fielded candidates in all 345 wards, while the CPI(M) submitted nominations for 263 candidates. Congress candidates filed nominations for 221 seats.

Following scrutiny, the nominations of 859 candidates were declared valid. The Commission said the election process would continue according to the announced schedule.

November 27 elections face growing political scrutiny

The allegations have placed the conduct of Tripura civic polls under increased political scrutiny. The elections will cover 21 urban local bodies, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation, across the state.

Polling is scheduled for November 27, while counting will take place on December 2. November 10 is the final date for candidates to withdraw their nominations.

The opposition has expressed concern that intimidation could prevent voters from getting a genuine choice in several constituencies. The CPI(M) has particularly warned against a repeat of the 2021 civic election experience, when it alleged that opposition candidates were prevented from contesting in several areas.

However, the election authorities have defended their preparations and maintained that candidates from all political parties can participate under the prescribed rules.

As the withdrawal deadline approaches, attention will remain on the Commission’s response to opposition complaints and the implementation of security measures.

The credibility of Tripura civic polls will depend on whether candidates can participate freely and voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear or pressure. Ensuring a transparent election process remains a responsibility shared by the Commission, administration, police and political parties.

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