CPIM demands precautionary measures for free and fair by-election

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Sep 02, 2023

Agartala, Sep 02 (FD) In a significant move, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPIM, has written a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Puneet Agarwal, demanding precautionary measures to ensure a free and fair by-election for the 20 Boxanagar and 23 Dhanpur Assembly constituencies in Sonamura subdivision.

The CPIM delegation, led by CPIM MLA Jitendra Chaudhury, former minister Manik Dey, and CPIM leader Haripada Das, expressed concerns based on past experiences. They highlighted incidents in the 2022 by-elections where the ruling BJP allegedly had a tacit understanding with the police to allow outsider workers to intimidate voters freely.

The CPIM's demands include expelling non-resident BJP workers from the two constituencies, maintaining strict check posts, and ensuring that the BSF vigilantly guards the international border with Bangladesh, given the constituencies' proximity to it. They also urged paramilitary forces at polling stations to verify voters' identities to prevent any fake votes.

Although there have been no allegations regarding the upcoming by-elections in Dhanpur and Boxanagar, the CPIM emphasised the importance of vigilance to prevent any subversion of the electoral process.

CEO Puneet Agarwal assured the CPIM delegation of taking necessary precautionary measures and pledged to ensure a free and fair election. The CPIM stated that they would closely monitor the proceedings on Election Day. FD SB