With the upcoming municipal elections in Tripura approaching, the Congress has stepped up its demand for stronger security measures, transparency in the electoral process and strict adherence to seat reservation rules. Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha has alleged that several aspects of the election preparations have raised concerns about the conduct of free and fair polls.
Addressing the media, Saha questioned the decision to use the October 2021 voter list as the basis for the upcoming municipal elections. He stressed that the authorities must ensure that no eligible voter is deprived of the right to vote and called for greater transparency in the electoral process.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over the seat reservation roster, alleging that the prescribed norms were not being followed properly. He insisted that seat allocation must comply with the relevant municipal election laws and established reservation policies, claiming that repeated changes in the reservation process could benefit a particular political party.
Security arrangements have emerged as another key concern for the opposition party. Saha said the Congress had submitted a list of sensitive and highly sensitive polling booths to the administration and demanded the deployment of additional Central forces to prevent disturbances and ensure peaceful voting. He alleged that the party had not yet received a satisfactory assurance from the State Election Commission regarding its demands.
Calling for an impartial role from the Election Commission, Saha said the authorities must take all necessary steps to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted without fear, intimidation or political interference.
On the political front, Saha made it clear that defeating the BJP would be the Congress's principal objective in the municipal elections. Asked about a possible understanding with the CPI(M), he said discussions were underway within the party and indicated that a decision could be taken within the next couple of days.
Saha also targeted the ruling party over alleged corruption, misgovernance and administrative bias. Claiming that public dissatisfaction with the government was growing across both the hill areas and the plains, he said the upcoming elections would be an important opportunity for people to express their views through the ballot.
The Congress president maintained that ensuring a credible electoral process was essential for reflecting the people's true mandate, urging the Election Commission and the administration to address the opposition's concerns before polling.
