Agartala: Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Thursday dismissed claims by the BJP and Tipra Motha of winning all seats in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, saying the real mandate would be known only if voters are able to cast their ballots without fear.
Tipra Motha is currently in power in the district council.
Sarkar said it was illogical for both parties to predict a clean sweep when they are contesting the elections separately. “Both the BJP and Tipra Motha are claiming they will win all 28 seats. If that happens, the council would need to have 56 seats instead of 28,” he said.
Emphasising the CPI(M)’s demand for free and fair polls, Sarkar said a legitimate mandate is possible only if voters are given a safe and intimidation-free environment to exercise their franchise.
“We have been demanding an electoral environment where people can vote freely and without intimidation,” he added.
Recalling the 2021 TTAADC elections, Sarkar alleged that widespread irregularities, including violence and obstruction of voters, had marred the polls. “The district council election in 2021 was not a genuine election. There were large-scale attacks on CPI(M) workers and candidates, and many voters were prevented from casting their ballots,” he said.
ALSO READ: Tripura govt plans international skill centre, foreign language school for youth
Sarkar said the ruling parties’ predictions would fall flat if voters are allowed to vote freely this time. “If we can reach the people and they are allowed to vote properly, there is no doubt that their claim of winning all 28 seats will fail,” he said.
Notably, the TTAADC elections are scheduled to be held in April.
