CPI(M) Alleges Police Inaction, Says Candidates Could Not File Nominations Despite Two Days of Preparation

The CPI(M) has levelled a series of serious allegations over the role of the police and the lack of administrative support during the nomination process for the Santirbazar Municipal Council elections. Left Front leaders claimed that their candidates, despite making preparations for two days, could not submit their nomination papers because they had lost confidence in the police's ability to ensure their safety.

The allegations were raised by party leaders at a press conference held on Friday at the CPI(M) office in Patichhari. Ashu Debnath, CPI(M)'s Santirbazar Sub-Divisional Secretary, alleged that the Returning Officer's office had remained surrounded since the announcement of the elections. He also claimed that houses of CPI(M) leaders and workers in Santirbazar had been attacked and party members assaulted.

Debnath further alleged that repeated attempts to contact the police over the incidents yielded no response, as neither the Sub-Divisional Police Officer nor the Officer-in-Charge of Santirbazar Police Station answered their calls. This, he said, contributed to the party's lack of confidence in receiving police assistance.

He also claimed that the party had approached the District Magistrate of South Tripura seeking administrative intervention and assistance to enable its candidates to file nominations, but received no support.

At the press conference, the CPI(M) demanded that those involved in the alleged attacks on its leaders and workers be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law. Left Front leaders also questioned the administration's role and called for adequate security for opposition candidates and an environment in which they could participate freely in the electoral process.