Khayerpur, Kamalpur Incidents Unacceptable; No One Involved Will Be Spared: Manik Saha

Chief Minister responds to allegations of obstruction of Opposition candidates during nomination filing; BJP holds key organisational meeting ahead of candidate list announcement

Agartala: Amid rising political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections to the Agartala Municipal Corporation, municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Tripura, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has strongly condemned the recent incidents in Khayerpur and Kamalpur, asserting that anyone found involved in such activities would face action, irrespective of their political affiliation.

Speaking to reporters at the BJP state headquarters in Agartala on Saturday, before attending an important organisational meeting, Saha said he had read reports about the Khayerpur incident in the newspapers and stressed that such an incident was unacceptable. He said that if the allegations were found to be true, a proper investigation must be conducted and action taken in accordance with the law.

“The incident in Khayerpur cannot be accepted under any circumstances. If it has indeed happened as reported, there should be a proper investigation and action must be taken according to the law,” the Chief Minister said.

He also expressed concern over the incident in Kamalpur, describing it as undesirable. However, he said he did not yet have the complete details and would seek further information from the concerned persons after the meeting.

Making the party’s position clear, Saha reiterated that no BJP member involved in such incidents would be protected. “I have repeatedly said that if anyone from our party is involved in such activities, they will not be spared under any circumstances,” he said.

The Chief Minister was also asked about allegations that Opposition candidates were being prevented from filing their nomination papers for the upcoming civic elections. In particular, allegations have surfaced that CPI(M) candidates were unable to submit their nominations in Ramnagar because miscreants had surrounded the office of the Returning Officer.

Responding to the allegations, Saha said the Opposition was free to make accusations, but maintained that the BJP had repeatedly instructed its members not to obstruct anyone from filing nomination papers.

Referring to allegations of political obstruction during the previous Left regime, he said such a political culture had continued for a long time and that resentment persisted among people because of their past experiences, despite efforts to explain the situation to them. However, he stressed that such incidents should not be allowed to recur.

Meanwhile, the BJP held an important organisational meeting at its state headquarters on Saturday in the presence of the Chief Minister. Discussions focused on improving coordination among party office-bearers and reviewing organisational activities ahead of the civic elections.

Saha said the meeting had been organised at the initiative of the newly appointed state in-charge and in accordance with the advice of the central leadership, with the objective of ensuring regular coordination among party office-bearers.

The BJP has yet to formally announce its candidates for the upcoming civic elections. Although preparations for candidate selection are reportedly at an advanced stage, the party is awaiting approval from the central leadership.

With the Chief Minister issuing a stern warning over the Khayerpur and Kamalpur incidents, Opposition parties raising allegations of obstruction during nomination filing, and the BJP's candidate list still awaited, the political atmosphere in Tripura is becoming increasingly charged ahead of the civic polls.