Opposition Fails to File Nomination Papers in Santirbazar Civic Poll, Ruling Party Stands Alone

No candidate from any political party other than the ruling party ultimately filed nomination papers for the Santirbazar Municipal Council elections. Despite multiple allegations by the opposition, political tensions and the matter reaching the High Court, no opposition candidate came forward to file nominations before the deadline. As a result, the electoral contest in Santirbazar has virtually become an opposition-free affair.

Since the nomination process began, opposition parties had repeatedly alleged that their candidates were being obstructed from filing nomination papers. The allegations triggered political tensions, eventually taking the matter to the High Court. However, even after approaching the court, no candidate from the opposition camp ultimately filed nomination papers, whether due to their inability or other circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Santirbazar has maintained that adequate security arrangements were in place throughout the nomination process. According to the SDM, comprehensive security measures were taken to ensure that candidates could submit their nomination papers without disruption. These included flag marches and several other security arrangements. He asserted that the administration had left no room for lapses in security.

However, the absence of opposition candidates from the nomination process, amid the administration's claims of adequate security and the opposition's allegations of obstruction, has triggered fresh debate in political circles over the electoral situation in Santirbazar.