BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th March 2026: The state is set to witness two important elections in the coming month. Ahead of the TDAADC elections and an assembly by-election, the Left Front today submitted a set of demands to State Election Commissioner Manoj Kumar, seeking enhanced security and fair campaigning arrangements.
The demands include deploying central paramilitary forces at polling booths, ensuring all political parties can campaign freely, and providing scanner-based webcasting facilities.
The Left Front’s convenor, Manik Dey, highlighted these demands at a press conference held at the CPI(M) state office, drawing attention to the need for the Election Commission’s intervention.
Speaking to reporters, Dey said, “These elections are being held in an unprecedented situation. We have requested the State Election Commissioner and CEO to deploy central paramilitary forces at each booth, allow all parties to campaign freely, and set up scanner-based webcasting. Opposition candidates are facing attacks, and law and order has deteriorated, making the conditions for a free and fair election challenging.”
Dey further emphasized that security personnel, including bodyguards and police protection for candidates, must be provided, and SDPOs should be directed to grant necessary permissions for election programs in their jurisdictions.
He also called for measures to ensure the safety of polling agents at booths, as well as patrolling by central forces in sensitive areas.
“Since 2018, no election in the state has been conducted peacefully and without disruption,” Dey noted.
CPI(M) state secretary and opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury added that the Election Commission must take measures to safeguard democratic rights and ensure a smooth electoral process. He observed that while earlier elections, like in 2018, were held in a peaceful, festival-like environment, the present circumstances demand stricter security and oversight.
The press conference was also attended by CPI state secretary Milan Baidya and RSP state leaders, alongside other Left Front representatives.
