Agartala, 11th November 2026 : The Tripura State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has accused the ruling BJP of unleashing widespread violence, intimidation and political terror against Left candidates during the ongoing Urban Local Body elections, alleging that several candidates were forced to withdraw their nomination papers under threats and attacks.
In a statement issued on November 10, the CPI(M) State Committee alleged that BJP leaders, party candidates and armed miscreants targeted Left candidates in Ambassa, Teliamura and Udaipur on November 9 and 10. The party claimed that some candidates were abducted at gunpoint, while houses were vandalised and set on fire to compel them to withdraw their nominations.
According to the statement, an atmosphere of terror and lawlessness was created across Ambassa by bringing in outsiders, allegedly forcing all CPI(M) candidates in the town to withdraw their nomination papers.
In Teliamura, the party alleged that its candidate from Ward No. 15 was taken away from Agartala by BJP-backed miscreants and forced to withdraw the nomination. The residence of the CPI(M) candidate from Ward No. 13 was also allegedly targeted to exert pressure for withdrawal.
Similar incidents were reported from Udaipur, where Left candidates and their family members allegedly faced severe mental pressure, attempts at physical assault and threats of damage to their homes and property. The party claimed that candidates from Wards No. 6 and 18 were ultimately compelled to withdraw their nominations.
In Bishalgarh, the CPI(M) alleged that its candidate from Ward No. 1 was forced to withdraw the nomination after the candidate’s proposer was threatened with eviction from his residence.
The statement further alleged that the BJP had attempted to obstruct the nomination process from the very beginning by creating blockades outside the offices of Sub-Divisional Magistrates in several subdivisions. Armed miscreants, allegedly organised in motorcycle groups, were stationed along routes leading to the offices to prevent Left candidates from filing their nomination papers.
Despite informing the Election Commission and police authorities, Left candidates who attempted to submit their nominations allegedly faced attacks in the presence of police personnel. The party claimed that roads were blocked using bulldozers and candidates and supporters were assaulted with sticks and sharp weapons.
More than 15 CPI(M) workers were reportedly injured in an incident in Mohanpur alone. Similar attacks were allegedly carried out in Kamalpur, Santirbazar, Ranirbazar and Jirania, preventing Left candidates from filing nominations in several urban local bodies and Nagar Panchayats.
The CPI(M) also expressed anger over what it described as the failure of the Election Department and police authorities to take effective action despite repeated complaints, protests and appeals to senior police officials. It further alleged that the authorities had failed to implement court directives in connection with the matter.
Strongly condemning the alleged incidents, the CPI(M) State Committee described the BJP’s actions as anti-democratic and said they reflected what it termed the party’s “neo-fascist character.”
The party has urged the Election Department to take appropriate measures regarding candidates who were allegedly forced to withdraw their nominations through violence and intimidation. It also appealed to the people of the state to raise their voices against what it described as attacks on democratic rights.
The statement was issued by Rakhal Majumder on behalf of the CPI(M) Tripura State Committee.
