BJP-Tipra Failed to Stop CPI(M) Candidates in Village Committee Polls: LoP Tripura
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Sabroom/ Agartala
- Sep 10, 2026
- 237
CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury has claimed that efforts allegedly made by the BJP and Tipra Motha to limit opposition participation in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections have failed.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Rupaichhari ADC Village on Thursday, Chowdhury said he had toured several villages since morning and witnessed what he described as growing enthusiasm among CPI(M) candidates, party workers, supporters and local residents.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the September 28 Village Committee elections, which will cover 587 Village Committees and 4,597 seats across the TTAADC areas.
Jitendra Claims Strong CPI(M) Presence Across Villages
Chowdhury said the public response during his village visits indicated that the election campaign had gained momentum.
According to him, residents were actively engaging with candidates, while party nominees were temporarily setting aside their regular activities to concentrate on campaigning, voter outreach and election strategy.
He said the political atmosphere on the ground was different from what he claimed had been expected by the BJP and Tipra Motha.
‘CPI(M) Candidates Have Not Been Wiped Out’
Rejecting the possibility of an opposition-free contest, Chowdhury claimed that the CPI(M) had managed to field candidates across a substantial number of seats.
He particularly pointed to the participation of women and young candidates, describing their presence as an important feature of the party's campaign.
Chowdhury further claimed that approximately 99 percent of CPI(M) nomination papers carrying valid documentation were accepted during scrutiny.
The nomination process for the 2026 TTAADC Village Committee elections concluded on September 8, with scrutiny held on September 9 and the withdrawal deadline fixed for September 11.
Officially reported nomination figures show that CPI(M) candidates submitted 2,487 nomination papers through 2,484 candidates, while Tipra Motha submitted 4,390 papers through 4,371 candidates and the BJP submitted 1,974 papers through 1,974 candidates.
BJP-Tipra Motha Seat Sharing Faces Grassroots Test
Chowdhury also questioned the effectiveness of the reported BJP-Tipra Motha electoral understanding.
The two parties have finalised a seat-sharing arrangement and agreed to contest the Village Committee elections together as NDA partners.
However, the CPI(M) state secretary claimed that the arrangement at the leadership level had not necessarily translated into complete coordination among workers and supporters at the grassroots.
He alleged that BJP and Tipra Motha supporters were finding it difficult to accept one another in several areas and claimed that candidates from the two parties were still contesting against each other in a number of wards in Rupaichhari block.
Jitendra Alleges Threats Against Opposition Candidates
Chowdhury further alleged that opposition candidates had faced intimidation and pressure during the election process.
He claimed that some candidates were allegedly asked or pressured to withdraw from the contest.
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Similar allegations of obstruction and intimidation have emerged from opposition parties during the nomination phase, with the CPI(M) previously accusing BJP and Tipra Motha workers of preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations in several areas.
The allegations have added another layer of political tension to an already closely watched Village Committee election.
‘Democratic Competition Cannot Be Stopped’
Chowdhury said CPI(M) candidates were prepared to continue their electoral campaign despite alleged pressure.
He also claimed that the administration had assured him that intimidation and political violence would not be tolerated.
According to the Opposition leader, the situation in the area has now improved and conditions are emerging for a more competitive and democratic election.
“Democratic competition cannot be stopped by intimidation or threats. Democracy will win,” Chowdhury said.
The September 28 TTAADC Village Committee elections will be followed by counting on October 5, with the electoral process scheduled to conclude by October 8.
For more Tripura news, politics, ADC election updates and Northeast India developments, visit TheTripuraPost.Com.