Left parties field 2,004 candidates despite ‘pressure’, says Ex-CM
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 22, 2026
Former Tripura chief minister and veteran Left leader Manik Sarkar on Monday alleged that candidates were pressured to withdraw from the upcoming ADC Village Committee elections and urged voters to exercise their franchise without fear or obstruction.
Addressing an election meeting at Mohanbhog, Sarkar claimed that pressure had been exerted on candidates in several constituencies, resulting in some withdrawals despite their willingness to contest.
He said the CPI(M), CPI, RSP, Forward Bloc and CPI(ML) had together fielded 2,004 candidates despite the alleged pressure.
Sarkar claimed the BJP and Tipra Motha had expected candidates backed by the two parties to remain in the fray, but said the Left parties had managed to contest in a substantial number of seats.
He appealed to the authorities to ensure that voters could cast their votes freely, saying any obstruction would affect the democratic process.
Referring to political developments in the country, Sarkar said farmers and workers were preparing to raise their demands through protests and claimed the BJP-led government at the Centre was facing challenges.
He also accused Tipra Motha of attempting to create divisions between Bengali and tribal communities and alleged that the BJP was seeking to divide people along religious lines.
Sarkar urged party workers, supporters and voters to treat the election as an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
CPI(M) Sonamura subdivision secretary and MLA Shyamal Chakraborty, state committee members Ratan Saha and Suresh Das and other leaders attended the meeting.
Candidates from Anandapur, Urmai and South Taibandal villages were introduced to the gathering at the beginning of the meeting.
Congress seeks support for candidates at election meeting in Panisagar
Dharmanagar, Sept 21: The Congress on Monday organised an election meeting at Noayagang under Panisagar block, seeking support for its candidates in the September 28 ADC Village Committee elections.
Kailashahar MLA and Congress Legislature Party leader Birajit Sinha, Dharmanagar district Congress president and other party leaders attended the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Congress leaders appealed to voters to support the party nominees in the elections.
Sinha claimed that the Congress had support among voters in the Noayagang area and alleged that several tribal-dominated areas were facing shortages of basic services, including electricity and drinking water, under the present coalition government.
He said development in the area could be ensured under Congress leadership.
The Noayagang ADC Village Committee is predominantly inhabited by members of the Halam community, and seven candidates are contesting the election from the village.
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