“If Development Is BJP’s Main Election Agenda, Why Is the Party Resorting to Violence?” Jitendra Chaudhury Questions CM

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 14, 2026

Opposition Leader and CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury has launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP in Tripura, questioning the party’s political approach ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. Challenging Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha to explain the alleged incidents of political violence and intimidation against opposition candidates and supporters, Chaudhury asked why the ruling party was allegedly resorting to terror tactics if development was genuinely its principal election agenda.

Addressing an election campaign meeting in the Kamarpukur area of the state capital, Chaudhury reportedly criticised the ruling party over allegations of attacks, intimidation and obstruction of opposition candidates during the ongoing election campaign. He questioned whether opposition candidates would be allowed to file nominations, campaign freely and seek votes without facing threats and political pressure.

Referring to the Chief Minister's repeated assertions that development would be the BJP's principal electoral issue, the opposition leader argued that the government should demonstrate its confidence in its development record by allowing a democratic contest rather than allegedly creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

"If development is indeed the BJP's issue, why is there a need for terror and violence?" was the central question raised by Chaudhury while targeting the Chief Minister.

He reportedly alleged that, instead of engaging in political debate and presenting its achievements before voters, the ruling establishment was allegedly encouraging young people to create disturbances and intimidate opposition political workers. He challenged the Chief Minister to allow democratic discussions and political competition if the government was confident about its performance.

Chaudhury also expressed concern over alleged attacks on opposition candidates and supporters at different locations. He reportedly referred to incidents in which CPI(M) workers and candidates faced intimidation while participating in election-related activities. According to his allegations, such incidents were aimed at discouraging opposition parties from carrying out their democratic responsibilities and reaching out to voters.

The opposition leader further alleged that the atmosphere surrounding the municipal elections was becoming increasingly tense, with opposition political activities facing obstacles in several areas. He criticised what he described as the ruling party's attempt to weaken the opposition through intimidation rather than confronting political challenges through democratic means.

The Kamarpukur campaign meeting was held against the backdrop of growing political tensions in Agartala and other urban areas ahead of the municipal elections. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised allegations of attacks on their workers, threats to candidates and attempts to obstruct election campaigns.

Chaudhury's remarks have added a sharper political dimension to the election debate, particularly because the BJP leadership has consistently projected development, infrastructure expansion and governance achievements as its principal electoral strengths.

The opposition leader's challenge to the Chief Minister essentially places a question before the ruling party: if the government believes that its development record will convince voters, why should opposition parties and candidates allegedly face intimidation while exercising their democratic rights?

more news...