BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 16th July 2024: CPIM has raised concerns about the upcoming three-tier panchayat elections in the state. On June 24, a CPIM delegation met with the state election commissioner to discuss the election process. During the meeting, the CPIM presented a four-point demand, emphasizing the need for fair and transparent elections.
“Arrangements should be made so that candidates from different political parties can submit their nomination papers freely,” stated CPIM State secretariat body. The party also demanded the introduction of an online submission system for nomination papers. However, the State Election Commission did not take immediate action, leading to obstacles faced by opposition party candidates during the nomination process.
In response to these concerns, on July 13, another CPIM delegation met with the Election Commissioner requesting an extension of the deadline for nomination paper submission. The Election Commissioner assured the delegation that discussions would take place with the defense administration to address the issue.
Subsequently, on July 15, CPIM representatives met with the Director General of Police. According to the Election Commissioner’s instructions, opposition candidates were to gather at a designated location to submit their nomination papers. Police would then escort them securely to the Returning Officer’s office. However, the Director General of State Police clarified that no such order had been received from the Election Commission.
Left Front Convener Narayan Kar expressed frustration during a press conference at the CPIM office in Melaramath. The CPIM delegation met with the state election commissioner once again, conveying the Director General of State Police’s statement. Additionally, the CPIM filed a petition in the High Court on Monday, seeking resolution of the situation.
The High Court led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh accepted the CPIM’s petition and scheduled a hearing for July 18. Narayan Kar stated that the party would await the court’s verdict before deciding the next steps. Former ministers Manik Dey and Naresh Jamatia were also present at the press conference.
