Agartala, September 10: Opposition Leader and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury has accused the BJP and Tipra Motha Party of trying to prevent opposition candidates from contesting the upcoming TTAADC Village Committee elections.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Rupaichhari ADC Village on Thursday, Chaudhury said people had rejected attempts to keep opposition candidates out of the electoral contest.
Chaudhury said he had visited several villages since morning and found enthusiasm among CPI(M) candidates, workers, supporters and local residents. He said candidates were putting aside their daily activities to focus on campaigning and election strategy.
He claimed the BJP and Tipra Motha’s attempt to seek a “clean sweep” had not succeeded, with a large number of CPI(M) candidates still in the fray. He said women and young candidates accounted for a significant share of the party’s nominees.
According to Chaudhury, around 99 per cent of the CPI(M) nominations submitted with valid documents were accepted during scrutiny.
He also claimed that differences existed between BJP and Tipra Motha supporters at the grassroots level despite the seat-sharing discussions between the two parties. He alleged that candidates from both parties were contesting against each other in several wards of Rupaichhari block.
Chaudhury further alleged that some opposition candidates had faced threats and pressure to withdraw from the election. He said CPI(M) candidates were prepared to face such pressure and continue the electoral contest.
He claimed the administration had assured him that such “hooliganism” would not be tolerated and said conditions were now favourable for a democratic election.
“Democratic competition cannot be stopped through fear or threats. Democracy will prevail,” Chaudhury said.
