Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has strongly reacted to the incidents reported from Khayerpur and Kamalpur amid rising political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections to the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and other municipal councils and Nagar Panchayats across Tripura.
He said the incidents were unacceptable and assured that anyone found involved, including members of the BJP, would not be spared.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters after attending an important organizational meeting at the BJP state headquarters in Agartala on Sunday.
Regarding the incident at Khayerpur, Dr Saha said he had come across reports about the matter in newspapers and maintained that such incidents could not be tolerated under any circumstances. He stressed the need for a proper investigation and legal action if the allegations were found to be true.
“Such an incident in Khayerpur cannot be accepted under any circumstances. If it has actually happened, there should be a proper investigation and action must be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
Expressing concern over the incident in Kamalpur under Dhalai district as well, the Chief Minister said that such an occurrence was also undesirable. However, he added that he was yet to receive complete details and would gather further information from the concerned authorities after the meeting.
Reiterating the party’s position, Dr Saha said, “I have repeatedly stated that if anyone from our party is involved in such incidents, they will not be spared under any circumstances.”
The Chief Minister was also asked about allegations that opposition candidates were being prevented from filing nomination papers for the upcoming civic elections. In particular, allegations had surfaced that CPI(M) candidates were unable to submit their nominations at Mohanpur due to the alleged siege of the Returning Officer’s office by miscreants.
Responding to the allegations, Dr Saha said the opposition was free to make its claims, but the BJP had repeatedly instructed its members and supporters not to obstruct anyone from filing nomination papers.
He also referred to allegations of political obstruction during the previous Left Front government, stating that such practices had continued for a long time and that resentment among certain people might persist because of their past experiences. However, he emphasized the need to ensure that such situations were not repeated.
Meanwhile, an important organizational meeting of the BJP was held at the party’s state headquarters on Saturday in the presence of the Chief Minister. According to Dr Saha, the meeting focused on strengthening coordination among party office-bearers and reviewing organizational activities.
He said the meeting was organized at the initiative of the newly appointed state in-charge and in accordance with the suggestions of the central leadership, with the objective of maintaining regular coordination among party functionaries.
It may be mentioned that the BJP has not yet formally announced its candidates for the upcoming civic elections. Although preparations for candidate selection are underway, the party is reportedly awaiting approval from the central leadership.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Minister’s remarks on the Khayerpur and Kamalpur incidents, allegations of obstruction to opposition candidates during nomination filing and the BJP’s pending candidate announcement have brought the political developments ahead of the civic polls into focus.