Agartala, 13th November 2026 :With the municipal elections approaching, Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Asish Kumar Saha on Friday voiced serious concerns over the possibility of electoral intimidation, accusing the ruling BJP of allegedly using pressure tactics to weaken opposition candidates and influence the electoral process.
Launching a door-to-door campaign in support of the Congress candidate in Ward No. 20 of the Agartala Municipal Corporation, Saha said the memories of the 2021 civic elections continued to haunt voters, with many apprehensive about whether they would be able to exercise their democratic rights freely this time.
He alleged that the experience of the previous civic polls, marked by incidents of obstruction and attacks against opposition supporters, had created a sense of insecurity among sections of the electorate. According to him, people were now questioning whether the upcoming elections would be conducted in a genuinely free and fair atmosphere.
Saha said the Congress campaign was receiving an encouraging response from residents, who were increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with civic administration and the rising cost of living. He alleged that the BJP-controlled Agartala Municipal Corporation had failed to fulfil its basic responsibilities despite completing five years in office.
Criticising the corporation’s performance, the Congress leader claimed that residents were being burdened with higher property taxes, water charges and other fees without receiving services of corresponding quality. He also highlighted the rising prices of electricity, cooking gas and essential commodities, stating that the growing financial pressure was making everyday life difficult for ordinary families.
Turning his attention to the State Election Commission, Saha questioned its effectiveness in ensuring a level playing field for all political parties. He alleged that opposition candidates in several municipal areas had faced hurdles during the nomination process and that pressure, intimidation and coercion had been used in certain places to force candidates to withdraw from the contest.
Drawing a parallel with the 2021 civic elections, Saha alleged that the BJP had captured all 21 municipal bodies through an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and claimed that attempts were now being made to replicate the same pattern in the forthcoming elections.
The TPCC president maintained that the Congress would not remain silent in the face of alleged electoral malpractice and would continue its democratic protests to safeguard the rights of voters and opposition candidates.
He called upon the State Election Commission to move beyond assurances and take concrete steps to ensure peaceful, transparent and impartial elections. Saha also urged the state government to take responsibility for maintaining law and order and creating an environment in which voters can cast their ballots without fear, pressure or intimidation.
