Agartala, 9th November 2026 : The CPI(M) Tripura State Committee has alleged that opposition candidates are being threatened and forcibly made to withdraw their nominations in different Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state, accusing ruling BJP supporters of using intimidation and firearms to prevent opposition candidates from contesting the elections.
In a letter addressed to the State Election Commissioner on Sunday, CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Choudhury alleged that after securing uncontested victories in five Urban Bodies by allegedly obstructing opposition parties from filing nominations, the ruling BJP has now resorted to a second phase of electoral intimidation by forcing opposition candidates to withdraw their candidature under threat.
Raising a serious allegation regarding Ambassa Municipal Council, Choudhury claimed that a group of BJP supporters carrying firearms raided the residence of Sujit Ghosh, a CPI(M) candidate from Ward No. 9, kidnapped him and took him to the chamber of the Returning Officer (RO), where he was allegedly forced to sign a withdrawal notice.
He further alleged that the Returning Officer accepted Ghosh’s withdrawal despite the circumstances under which it was reportedly obtained. Choudhury also questioned the RO’s presence and acceptance of the withdrawal on a public holiday, citing Rule 11(c), Sub-rule (1) of the Tripura Municipalities (Conduct of Election) Rules, 1995. The provision stipulates that the last date for withdrawal of candidature shall be the second day after scrutiny of nominations or, if that day is a public holiday, the next succeeding non-holiday.
The CPI(M) leader also alleged that a group of 15 to 20 BJP supporters raided the residences of party candidates in Wards 5, 6 and 17 of Belonia Municipal Council and threatened them with serious consequences if they refused to withdraw their candidature.
Referring to the killing of Badal Shil during the 2024 Panchayat General Election, Choudhury expressed concern over the safety of opposition candidates and accused the ruling party’s supporters of creating an atmosphere of fear.
In his letter, the CPI(M) State Secretary urged the State Election Commission to take immediate preventive measures before the withdrawal process concludes on November 10.
Among the demands, he sought the immediate replacement of the Returning Officer of Ambassa Municipal Council and disciplinary proceedings against the incumbent officer over the alleged irregularities. He also proposed that withdrawal applications submitted by opposition candidates in the presence of BJP supporters should not be accepted, while applications accompanied by leaders of their respective parties could be considered.
Additionally, the CPI(M) demanded adequate security arrangements at the residences of opposition candidates, particularly on November 10, the final day of withdrawal of candidature.
Choudhury urged the State Election Commission to intervene immediately to ensure that candidates can exercise their electoral rights without intimidation or coercion.
