The run-up to Tripura’s three-tier panchayat elections has been marred by serious allegations of violence and intimidation as opposition parties accusing the ruling BJP of subverting the democratic process.
As the nomination period closed today the CPI(M) Belonia Sub-divisional Committee leveled grave charges against the State Election Commission and police administration accusing them of “openly murdering democracy.”
The opposition’s concerns were heightened following the tragic death of Badal Shil, a CPI(M) leader and candidate for the Zila Parishad seat. Shil was allegedly attacked by BJP-backed individuals at Chottakhola area under Rajnagar Block on July 12 and succumbed to his injuries the next day at GBP Hospital.
CPI(M) officials claim that despite multiple appeals to local authorities for protection their candidates faced violent opposition while attempting to file nominations. In Rajnagar Block the party was forced to withhold candidates for 13 Panchayat Samiti seats and 19 Gram Panchayat seats due to security concerns.
Similar incidents were reported in Hrishyamukh RD Block where nomination papers of both CPI(M) and Congress candidates were allegedly torn by BJP supporters. The police have been accused of remaining passive observers to these events.
Despite the challenges the CPI(M) reports that they have managed to field candidates for all 17 seats of the South Tripura Zila Parishad. Subrata Das has been named as the replacement candidate for the late Badal Shil.