Agartala: Opposition CPM in Tripura has raised concerns over alleged violence and intimidation aimed at preventing opposition candidates from contesting the forthcoming urban local body elections. The party accused BJP of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.In a statement issued on Wednesday, CPM alleged that Left candidates who filed nomination papers in Ambassa, Teliamura and Udaipur were later threatened, assaulted and coerced into withdrawing their nominations.The party alleged that armed cadres linked to BJP targeted candidates and their families through intimidation, vandalism and arson. It also claimed that some candidates were taken away at gunpoint and forced to withdraw their nominations.According to CPM, outsiders were brought into Ambassa to create fear, eventually compelling all its candidates to withdraw from the election.In Teliamura, the party alleged that a candidate from Ward 15 was taken from Agartala and forced to withdraw his nomination, while a candidate from Ward 13 was intimidated at his home.In Udaipur, Left candidates and their families were allegedly threatened and harassed, while attempts were made to damage their property. The party said the incidents led to the withdrawal of nominations by candidates from Wards 6 and 18.The statement also referred to an incident in Bishalgarh, where threats allegedly directed at the proposer of the CPM candidate from Ward 1 resulted in the withdrawal of the nomination.The party further accused BJP of systematically obstructing the nomination process in several parts of the state. It alleged that BJP-linked groups blocked access to the offices of sub-divisional magistrates, preventing opposition candidates from filing their nomination papers.Candidates who attempted to submit their nominations reportedly faced attacks involving sticks and sharp weapons, allegedly in the presence of police personnel. CPM said more than 15 workers were injured in Mohanpur.Similar incidents of violence and disruption were reported in Kamalpur, Santirbazar, Ranirbazar and Jirania, according to the party. It claimed that the incidents prevented candidates in several urban local bodies and nagar panchayats from filing their nominations.CPM criticised the administration, alleging that the election department and police failed to act despite complaints, protests and representations to senior officials.The party also alleged that the authorities had failed to comply with a recent high court direction to ensure the participation of opposition parties in the forthcoming civic elections.
