By TC News Desk
Agartala, 13th July 2024: State is experiencing escalating political violence in the wake of the announcement of election dates by the state election commissioner. As political tensions rise, reports indicate that miscreants from various parties have engaged in acts of terror, particularly in panchayat areas. Incidents of vandalism, attacks on party offices, and assaults on political leaders are contributing to a climate of fear among residents.
“The atmosphere is charged with panic. Ever since the announcement of the three-tier panchayat elections, electoral violence has been rampant,” remarked Gomati District Congress President Titon Pal. This sentiment echoes through the state, particularly in Gomati district, where recent attacks have intensified.
One significant incident took place late Friday night when the district office of the Congress party at Jamtala in Udaipur was set ablaze. Miscreants not only torched the office but also looted valuable equipment, including computers and printers. Pal reported the situation to the Radha Kishorepur police station, prompting an investigation, though concerns remain about the police’s ability to ensure security.
“This is the fourth time our office has been targeted,” Pal stated, highlighting a troubling trend. Despite a police report being filed, no arrests have been made.
In a separate attack, Badal Shil, the left-nominated candidate for Ward No. 4 of the Zilla Parishad, was severely injured, leading to protests by the Left Front outside the local police station. Demonstrators, including MLAs and party leaders, demanded immediate action against the attackers, warning of a potential statewide bandh if their grievances are not addressed.
Violence has not been limited to the Congress party; the BJP has also been targeted, with reports of their office at Aurobinda Nagar in Bishalgarh being vandalized and a leader’s luxury car destroyed in Dharmanagar. The BJP leadership has condemned these acts, calling for strict punitive measures against the perpetrators.
In light of these developments, a delegation from the Left Front met with State Election Commissioner Sharadindu Chowdhury to demand an impartial investigation into the violent incidents and a restoration of peace leading up to the elections. Opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury emphasized the need for a fair electoral process and the protection of candidates and party members from political violence.
