Agartala, 5th September 2026 : The Left Front has demanded the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across all constituencies of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) ahead of the upcoming village committee elections, expressing apprehension over the possibility of political violence and disruption during the electoral process.
The demand was raised at a press conference held at the CPI(M) state headquarters on Saturday, where leaders of the CPI(M), CPI, RSP, Forward Bloc and CPI(ML) Liberation voiced concerns over the security of opposition candidates, polling agents and voters.
Former minister and Left Front Convener Manik Dey alleged that Left candidates were facing threats and various forms of obstruction while carrying out election-related activities. He claimed that the possibility of political violence before polling could not be ruled out under the prevailing circumstances.
In a memorandum submitted to the State Election Commission, the Left Front alleged that incidents of political violence against Left activists, particularly CPI(M) workers, had increased. The Front claimed that although supporters of the ruling party were allegedly involved in some of these incidents, adequate legal action was not being taken.
The Left Front specifically referred to Hezamara, Lefunga, Belbari and Jirania blocks, alleging that Left candidates were obstructed from entering block offices to submit their nomination papers. In Hezamara, it was claimed that police had to intervene and rescue some candidates from inside the block office.
The Front demanded adequate security at all block offices so that candidates could submit nominations without obstruction and return home safely.
Another concern raised was the possibility of clashes between BJP and Tipra Motha supporters. The Left Front argued that despite the two parties being allies in the state government, clashes between their supporters could create further challenges for maintaining law and order in the ADC areas.
The Front also expressed concern over the safety of opposition polling agents. Alleging that polling agents had been prevented from entering polling stations or forcibly removed during previous elections, it demanded police protection for agents travelling to and returning from polling stations.
Among its key demands, the Left Front called for all polling stations to be declared “highly sensitive”, deployment of CRPF personnel at least one week before polling, restrictions on the entry of outsiders into the ADC area after campaigning ends, identity verification at polling station entrances, round-the-clock webcasting and camera surveillance, and equal security and opportunities for opposition parties to conduct meetings, rallies and campaign programmes.
Dey alleged that incidents of “vote looting”, proxy voting and obstruction of genuine voters had occurred in Tripura in the past, and argued that the presence of central forces would help build confidence among voters and candidates.
At the same time, he appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace and harmony during the elections. Dey urged people from both tribal and Bengali communities to participate in the democratic process while preserving unity, communal harmony and peace.
The village committee elections are considered crucial for grassroots-level administration within the ADC area, making a peaceful and credible electoral process essential for maintaining public confidence in the autonomous council’s institutions.
