The withdrawal of a CPI (M) candidate from the upcoming urban local body elections in Tripura has triggered a fresh political controversy, with the opposition party alleging that ruling BJP-backed miscreants are using intimidation and coercion to prevent opposition candidates from contesting the polls. However, the candidate concerned has denied being kidnapped and claimed that he voluntarily withdrew his nomination.
The controversy centres around Sujit Ghosh, the CPI(M) candidate from Ward No. 9 of Ambassa Municipal Council of Dhalai district, who withdrew his nomination on Monday. Following reports that he had allegedly been kidnapped by unidentified youths, the CPI(M) accused BJP supporters of forcibly taking him away and pressuring him to withdraw from the electoral contest.
However, Ghosh subsequently denied the kidnapping allegation, stating that nobody had abducted him and that he had personally submitted his withdrawal letter to Additional Returning Officer Puja Reang at the subdivision election office.
Explaining his decision, Ghosh reportedly said that he was a small candidate compared to the ruling party’s nominee and did not want to face defeat. He also appealed to the eventual winner to ensure proper developmental works in the ward.
Additional Returning Officer (ARO) Puja Reang confirmed that the CPI(M) candidate from Ward No. 9 had withdrawn his nomination.
The issue took a more serious political turn after CPI(M) state committee secretary Jitendra Chaudhury wrote to the State Election Commissioner (SEC) on November 9, alleging that opposition candidates were being subjected to intimidation and pressure to withdraw their nominations in different urban local bodies.
In his letter, Chaudhury alleged that after preventing opposition parties from filing nominations in five urban bodies through intimidation and the alleged involvement of miscreants, the ruling BJP had now initiated another phase of undermining democracy by forcibly withdrawing opposition candidates under threat.
Referring specifically to the Ambassa incident, the CPI (M) alleged that a group of BJP supporters, some of whom were reportedly carrying firearms, raided the residence of Sujit Ghosh in Ward No. 9 of Ambassa Municipal Council. According to the letter, Ghosh was allegedly taken to the chamber of the Returning Officer, who was present at the office despite it being a public holiday, and was forced to sign a withdrawal notice.
The party further alleged that the Returning Officer (RO) accepted the withdrawal despite the provisions of the Tripura Municipalities (Conduct of Election) Rules, 1995, which stipulate that the last date for withdrawal falling on a public holiday must be extended to the next working day.
The CPI (M) also raised allegations of intimidation in Belonia town, claiming that on Sunday, BJP-backed miscreants raided the residences of CPI(M) candidates in Wards No. 5, 6 and 17 and threatened them with serious consequences if they refused to withdraw their candidature. The letter also referred to the killing of Badal Shil during the 2024 Panchayat General Election, alleging that he was targeted because he was a CPI (M) candidate for a Zilla Parishad seat.
In his communication to the State Election Commissioner, Chaudhury expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as the failure of the administration and police to ensure a free and fair electoral environment during the nomination process. He urged the Commission to take immediate preventive measures before the withdrawal process concludes on November 10.
The CPI(M) state committee placed three specific demands before the Election Commission: immediate replacement of the Returning Officer of Ambassa Municipal Council with an impartial and competent officer; disciplinary proceedings against the existing Returning Officer over alleged collusion with BJP-backed miscreants; and arrangements for adequate security, particularly at the residences of opposition candidates on November 10, the final day of withdrawal.
The party also demanded that no withdrawal application submitted by an opposition candidate in the presence of BJP supporters should be accepted, while allowing withdrawals made in the presence of the candidate’s own party leaders.
Meanwhile, BJP Ambassa Mandal president Ajay Adhikari dismissed the allegations, saying that he had only heard about the incident and had no information about any kidnapping. He accused the opposition of attempting to create political sympathy ahead of the elections, claiming that CPI(M) and Congress candidates lacked public support.
BJP candidate from Ward No. 9 Ashish Bhattacharya also said that he had no personal connection with Sujit Ghosh and had heard that the latter had withdrawn his nomination voluntarily. He suggested that internal differences within the CPI(M) might have prompted the decision.
CPI(M) Ambassa subdivision secretary Bidyut Debbarma said the party had initially received information about the alleged kidnapping and had started verifying the matter. However, he later learnt that Ghosh had withdrawn his nomination on his own.
With the final day of withdrawal scheduled for November 10, the CPI (M) has urged the State Election Commission to intervene immediately to ensure that opposition candidates can exercise their democratic rights without fear or pressure.
The competing claims surrounding the Ambassa withdrawal have added to the political tension ahead of the urban local body elections, with the opposition demanding stronger security and impartial intervention by the Election Commission.