CPI(M) Candidate Forced to Withdraw Nomination in Ambassa, Jitendra Chaudhury Seeks Election Commission’s Intervention

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 10, 2026

Serious allegations of intimidation, violence and coercion against opposition candidates have surfaced in Tripura ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, with the CPI(M) accusing ruling BJP-backed miscreants of preventing opposition candidates from contesting freely. In a particularly disturbing incident reported from Ambassa, a CPI(M) candidate was allegedly abducted at gunpoint and forced to withdraw his nomination in front of the Returning Officer yesterday.

According to a CPIM statement, the incident involved Sujit Ghosh, a CPI(M) candidate from Ward No. 9 of Ambassa Municipal Council. The candidate was allegedly picked up at gunpoint, taken to the Returning Officer's office and compelled to sign the nomination withdrawal notice. The allegation has raised serious questions about the security of opposition candidates and the impartiality of the election process.

The CPI(M) has alleged that the Returning Officer accepted the withdrawal despite questions surrounding the circumstances in which the candidate was brought to the office and the alleged coercion involved. The party has questioned whether the prescribed electoral procedures and safeguards were properly followed before accepting the withdrawal.

The incident reportedly took place on Monday, November 9, the final day for withdrawal of nominations. The party has expressed serious concern over how a candidate could allegedly be forced to withdraw his nomination on the last day, when the electoral process was nearing completion.

Meanwhile, similar allegations of intimidation and attacks on opposition candidates have also emerged from South Tripura's Belonia Municipal Council. According to the report, CPI(M) candidates from Wards No. 5, 6 and 17 allegedly faced attacks and intimidation at their residences. The party has alleged that between 15 and 20 BJP workers were involved in the incidents and that threats were issued to force candidates to withdraw their nominations.

CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury has strongly condemned the alleged incidents and written to the State Election Commission, demanding immediate intervention to ensure the safety and security of opposition candidates and a peaceful election environment.

In his communication, Chaudhury reportedly highlighted the growing atmosphere of intimidation surrounding the municipal elections and urged the Commission to take effective measures against those allegedly attempting to prevent opposition candidates from participating in the democratic process.

The CPI(M) has also raised questions about the role of the administration and police, alleging that opposition candidates are being subjected to pressure and threats while the authorities have failed to ensure an atmosphere conducive to free and fair elections.

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