New Delhi: The BJP has achieved a major victory ahead of the municipal elections in Tripura. BJP candidates have won 77 of the 345 seats in the state’s 21 urban local bodies unopposed. These victories were primarily in South Tripura, West Tripura, and five municipal bodies in Dhalai district, where other parties did not field candidates. Voting for the remaining 268 seats will take place on November 27th.
According to the Tripura State Election Commission, the last date for filing nominations for the municipal elections was November 7. Following scrutiny of nomination papers on Tuesday, BJP candidates were declared elected unopposed in 77 seats. Now, 810 candidates are in the fray for the remaining 268 seats. These include 342 from the BJP, 218 from the CPI(M), and 201 from the Congress.
BJP wins unopposed in five municipal bodies
According to State Election Commissioner PK Chakraborty, BJP candidates won 65 seats unopposed in five local bodies. These include Shantir Bazar in South Tripura district, Ranir Bazar in West Tripura district, and Kamalpur, Jirania, and Mohanpur in Dhalai district. No other political party fielded candidates in these 65 local bodies. Additionally, BJP candidates won 12 seats unopposed in three municipal bodies: Ambassa in Dhalai district, Bishalgarh in Sipahijala district, and Teliamura in Khowai district. This brings the BJP’s total to 77 seats before the municipal elections.
Allegations and counter-allegations regarding withdrawal of nomination
Meanwhile, allegations of forced withdrawal of nominations by candidates in some constituencies have surfaced before the elections. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhary made this allegation. He claimed that his party’s candidates in Ambassa were forced to withdraw their nominations on Tuesday. CPI(M) candidates withdrew after facing threats, intimidation, and attacks on their homes.
However, State Election Commissioner PK Chakraborty has completely denied these allegations. He stated that following these complaints, a report was sought from the Dhalai District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police. However, ground reports have not confirmed any such incidents of forced withdrawal of candidates’ nominations in Ambassa or any other constituency in Dhalai district. Voting for 268 seats will now take place on November 27, with results declared on December 3.
