Agartala, 14th November 2026 : Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar on Saturday accused the ruling party of creating disturbances ahead of the November 27 elections, alleging that it feared a backlash from voters if they were allowed to exercise their franchise freely.
Sarkar said the growing resentment and dissatisfaction among people towards the present government had reached a significant level, and voters were looking at the elections as an opportunity to express their anger through the ballot. He alleged that the ruling party was aware of the possible electoral outcome and was therefore attempting to create obstacles to a peaceful voting process.
He maintained that the opposition was working to encourage people and strengthen their confidence in exercising their democratic rights. Rejecting any suggestion of retaliatory violence, Sarkar questioned whether the opposition was expected to respond with sticks, bombs and ammunition like those allegedly being used by the ruling party. He asserted that his party would never adopt such a path.
Accusing the government of undermining democratic rights, Sarkar alleged that voters were being denied the freedom to cast their ballots, while lawlessness and corruption had become prominent features of the state’s administration. He said such a situation could not continue indefinitely and expressed confidence that people would eventually bring about a political change.
“The ruling party is trying to turn the elections into a farce to remain in power because it is afraid of the people’s verdict,” he said, adding that historical experience showed that such circumstances could not persist for long.
Countering allegations that the opposition lacked organisational strength or public support, Sarkar pointed to interactions between party workers and residents during their visits to different households. He said people were welcoming opposition workers, offering them tea and biscuits, while repeatedly asking whether they would be able to vote and whether assistance would be provided to ensure their voting rights.
According to Sarkar, these interactions reflected the concerns and apprehensions among voters about the electoral environment.
Questioning the prospects of a free and fair election on November 27, Sarkar also referred to alleged difficulties faced by opposition parties in reaching voters and submitting nominations. He questioned how a peaceful and impartial election could be expected when opposition parties were allegedly facing such obstacles even before polling day.
