Agartala,: The opposition CPI (M) today alleged that ruling BJP has forced to withdraw their candidates in 121 seats of three tire Panchayats yesterday on the day of withdrawal in presence of police and returning officer.
They demanded action against block development officers (BDOs) of Dukli and Kalacharra in West Tripura. Allegedly, ruling BJP cadres threatened the left candidates in front of the BDOs and compelled them to sign in the withdrawal form.
The CPI (M) in a statement alleged that BJP workers had been threatening the Left Front aspirants to withdraw their candidatures. In a few places, the ruling party could not able to sustain their pressure following counters. But they were successful to compel the withdrawal of candidature from 64 village panchayats, 32 panchayat samities and 25 Zilla Parishad seats.
“The candidates have been continuously threatening by BJP cadres unless others stay back from the election battle their houses would be burnt down and their livelihood means would be affected besides the threat of physical assault for last few days. The matter was brought to the notice of election commission but no action, even our people were forced in front of returning officers,” said CPI (M) state committee member Pabitra Kar.
He, however, pointed out, “We are surprised to hear that the top leadership of BJP had directed their local leaders not to allow the opposition to participate in the election. They have been told it would be their discredit if opposition fights the election in their respective areas, which is a most dangerous proposition in democracy and created hatred in the family members and neighbours in the villages,”
Political violence and attack on the opposition supporters under Biplab Kumar Deb’s rule in the past 15 months have set the record in the state of Tripura. The incidents and perpetration of violence did not expose only the mindset of BJP, also proved the failure of Chief Minister Deb who is also the chief of BJP party, Kar alleged.
He further claimed that during the nomination process more than 85 per cent of seat oppositions were not allowed to put their candidates. Wherever candidates have submitted a nomination, they are now facing serious problem including life threat since last year panchayat by-poll and Lok Sabha elections.
However, BJP denied the allegation and said the statement of CPI (M) leaders have clearly indicated their nervousness. “We have been keeping on saying if anybody indulged anything illegal please lodge a police complaint and send us the copy of FIR we shall ensure the punishment. But unfortunately in 80 per cent of their allegation did not have a police record and so far maximum of BJP workers were a victim of political violence,” said BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee.
He reiterated that BJP never prevented any opposition to field their candidate even offered volunteer from the party to facilitate them for strengthening democracy but no reaction from any of the opposition except raising false and fabricated allegations.
“We also want to fight an election to assess our support base but the opposition did not help us,” Bhattacharjee said adding that CPI (M) cadres have been attacking BJP and they have been in a fight to settle their previous score.
UNI.
