The Left Front in Tripura on Saturday urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in all constituencies of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) ahead of the upcoming Village Committee elections, alleging that the prevailing situation is not conducive to free, fair and peaceful polling.
Addressing a press conference at the CPI(M) state headquarters in Agartala after submitting a deputation to the SEC, senior leaders of the CPI(M), CPI, RSP, Forward Bloc and CPI(ML) expressed serious concerns over the security situation and alleged political intimidation during the election process.
Left Front convener and former minister Manik Dey alleged that Left candidates were facing threats and obstruction in several areas and warned that the possibility of electoral violence could not be ruled out.
In a memorandum submitted to the SEC, the Left Front alleged an increase in political violence targeting CPI(M) and other Left workers. It claimed that supporters of the ruling parties were involved in several incidents, but alleged that no adequate legal action had been taken.
The memorandum specifically cited incidents in Hezamara, Lefunga, Belbari and Jirania blocks, where alleged miscreants prevented Left candidates from entering block offices to file their nomination papers.
The Opposition further alleged that in Hezamara, some candidates had to be rescued by police from inside the block office. It demanded adequate security at all block offices to ensure that candidates can submit their nominations without obstruction and return safely.
The Left Front also expressed concern over possible clashes between supporters of the BJP and its ally, the Tipra Motha Party, claiming that such confrontations have created law-and-order challenges that have at times become difficult for the police to handle.
Raising concerns over the safety of Opposition polling agents, the Left Front alleged that during previous elections, polling agents were either prevented from entering polling stations or were forcibly removed. It sought police protection for polling agents while travelling to and from polling stations.
Among its key demands, the Left Front called for all polling stations to be declared "very sensitive," deployment of CAPF at least one week before polling, restrictions on the entry of outsiders into ADC areas after the election campaign ends, strict identity verification at polling booths, continuous webcasting and CCTV surveillance at every polling station, a level playing field for Opposition parties to conduct meetings and campaigns without intimidation, and enhanced security for candidates, polling agents and block offices.
Describing the Village Committee elections as crucial for grassroots governance in the ADC areas, Dey alleged that Tripura had witnessed incidents of "vote loot," bogus voting and attempts to prevent genuine voters from exercising their franchise in previous elections.
He asserted that the deployment of Central forces was essential to ensure a secure electoral atmosphere and instil confidence among candidates and voters alike.
Appealing for peace, Dey urged both tribal and Bengali communities to maintain communal harmony, unity and calm throughout the election process.