Agartala, 1st October 2026 : Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha today accused the ruling party in Tripura of undermining the democratic and electoral process in the state since 2018, alleging intimidation of voters and obstruction during elections.
Saha made the allegations while addressing a Seva Dal-organised public sit-in outside the Pradesh Congress Bhavan in Agartala. The programme was held demanding the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy and other party leaders were also present.
According to Saha, elections in Tripura have witnessed an atmosphere of fear, with voters allegedly being prevented from reaching polling stations and subjected to pressure when they attempted to exercise their franchise. He further alleged that the ruling party has used its organisational machinery to influence elections.
The Congress leader also criticised the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that the functioning of the Election Commission under the present leadership has raised questions about the conduct of elections across the country.
Saha claimed that the government at the Centre had brought legislation in Parliament providing protection to the Chief Election Commissioner from arrest and alleged that the move was aimed at shielding the incumbent.
Turning his attention to the state government, Saha questioned its claims of maintaining “zero tolerance” on law and order. He alleged that the state has witnessed deterioration in law and order, while unemployed youths continue to face difficulties.
He also accused the government of misusing the security administration and alleged that people were being denied their rights in government offices.
Saha further criticised Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha over his recent comments concerning the Election Commission, questioning the government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
The allegations made by the Congress leader were part of the party’s broader criticism of the functioning of electoral and administrative institutions in the state.
