Tripura Panchayat polls: Opposition accuses BJP of attacking party workers and candidates

Agartala: With the announcement of the Panchayat election in Tripura, opposition parties Congress and CPI (M) have alleged widespread violence orchestrated by BJP supporters against their workers and candidates. 

The State Election Commission has scheduled the three-tier Panchayat election for August 8, with counting set for August 12.

Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman has accused BJP activists of perpetuating violence across the state against Congress party workers. Barman, a former Minister, claimed that these attacks are happening with the complicity of police and civil administration. 

“BJP doesn't believe in democracy. They believe in violence and bloodshed,” Barman asserted. He noted that assaults on Congress workers began immediately after the Panchayat poll dates were announced.

“Our activists were attacked during meetings organized by the Block Development Officers (BDOs) as part of the poll preparations,” he said.

According to Barman, the BJP resorts to violence because they cannot win Panchayat seats through fair means. “They know they can't win a single Panchayat without resorting to violence,” he said.

The Left Front echoed similar concerns, accusing the BJP of capturing Block offices in various districts to prevent opposition candidates from filing nominations.

They listed specific instances in South Tripura, Gomati, Sepahijala, West Tripura, Khowai, and Dhalai districts where opposition leaders and candidates were attacked inside Block offices and were unable to collect nomination papers.

“Opposition leaders and candidates present at the all-party meeting were attacked inside the office and failed to collect nomination papers. All these violent incidents happened in front of the police and election authorities. Police and administration did not take any effective role,” stated the Left Front in a press release.

They further called for a protest against BJP's actions to restore democracy and form corruption-free Swachh Gramin Panchayats in the state.