Key Takeaways
- The CPI-M lodged a formal complaint accusing the ruling BJP of breaching the model code of conduct during the Tripura by‑election.
- Allegations include a restricted‑area dais set up for BJP leaders while CPI‑M processions were blocked.
- The Election Commission of India was urged to enforce the code and remove BJP propaganda from poll‑bound districts.
Agartala: The opposition CPI-M lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India alleging gross violation of the model code of conduct by the ruling BJP with indulgence from election officials during the ongoing by-election to two assembly constituencies—Dhanpur and Boxanagar.
CPI-M state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury alleged that when a procession of the CPI-M was approaching the election office for filing nominations on Wednesday, it was stopped on the ground that it was a restricted area, but a day later, a big dais was made inside the restricted area and top BJP leaders addressed the gathering without any hindrance.
“We have reasons to apprehend that if the election authority fails to enforce their command on the violators, that would be detrimental to vitiate the entire process,” Chaudhury wrote to Chief Electoral Officer Puneet Agarwal, adding that the matter was informed to the District Election Officer (DEO), and although he assured to comply with the provisions, BJP leaders and ministers, including the Chief Minister, used that dais.
He further alleged that soon after the declaration of the election schedule, Chaudhury wrote to the DEO, requesting the removal of all publicity materials containing achievements of the BJP government from the poll‑bound districts as per rule.
However, these materials remain widely visible, raising concerns about compliance with the model code of conduct.
“It is unfortunate that the ruling party, the BJP, should have been responsible and respectful to the adherence to the election code and are willfully violating it to garner electoral benefits,” he added.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee declined to react to the allegations and said the opposition parties became nervous seeing thousands of common people with saffron flags join the nomination filing rallies in both constituencies. He pointed out, “BJP never indulges in any illegal thing; if the area was restricted, how could the administration allow us to erect dais?”
