Manik Sarkar Calls for Unity Among Opposition Parties to Defeat BJP, Keeps Congress Alliance Question Open
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 17, 2026
Former Tripura Chief Minister and CPI(M) Politburo member Manik Sarkar has called for greater unity among opposition forces to defeat the BJP politically, asserting that the movement against the ruling party must be guided by democratic and secular principles. However, he has refrained from making any definitive announcement on a possible electoral alliance with the Congress ahead of the forthcoming Agartala Municipal Corporation and other urban local body elections.
Speaking on the political situation following the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections, Sarkar said the primary objective of the opposition should be to defeat the BJP and strengthen democratic, secular and people-oriented politics. He indicated that the possibility of cooperation among opposition parties could be considered if a suitable political environment emerged, but stressed that no final decision should be announced prematurely.
Sarkar's remarks have assumed significance as political parties begin preparing for the next round of urban elections in Tripura. His comments suggest that while the CPI(M) is keeping the possibility of opposition coordination open, the question of a formal understanding with the Congress remains unresolved.
Referring to the recent Village Committee elections, the former Chief Minister alleged that the BJP government had attempted to influence the electoral process and that opposition candidates had faced obstacles during nomination and polling. He claimed that the electoral outcome could have been different had the process been conducted in a free, fair and normal atmosphere.
Sarkar also alleged that candidates had encountered difficulties in filing nominations and that voters had faced restrictions at different places on polling day. According to him, these alleged irregularities prevented the elections from reflecting the full extent of public dissatisfaction with the ruling establishment. These allegations form part of the opposition's assessment of the election process.
The CPI(M) leader further argued that the political impact of nationwide protests against the Union government, along with growing public discontent over economic hardship, unemployment and the condition of weaker sections, was becoming visible in Tripura as well. He maintained that such discontent could create opportunities for political change, provided opposition parties developed stronger coordination and organisational capabilities.
Sarkar emphasised that merely organising occasional protests would not be sufficient to bring about a lasting political transformation. He called for sustained political mobilisation around issues affecting ordinary people, including employment, economic insecurity, declining living standards and the protection of democratic rights.
On the question of a possible opposition alliance for the Agartala Municipal Corporation and other urban local body elections, Sarkar said it would be inappropriate to make a premature declaration about the nature of any arrangement with the Congress. He indicated that the CPI(M) would assess the political situation and the views of its elected representatives before arriving at a decision.
His remarks come amid speculation about whether the CPI(M) and Congress could cooperate electorally in the upcoming urban polls. Congress leaders have also previously indicated that the question of a possible understanding with the CPI(M) requires discussion between the two parties. However, no final agreement was announced in the statements cited in the report.
Sarkar's position indicates that the CPI(M) is keeping the possibility of broader opposition coordination under consideration while maintaining that any arrangement must be based on political circumstances, organisational preparedness and the interests of the people.
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