Agartala: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPIM], Tripura’s principal opposition party, has made a formal appeal to the Election Commission of India and election officials to enforce strict measures against BJP leader Biplab Kumar Deb. The CPIM cited provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951 to justify the need for stringent actions against the BJP leaders.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, Jitendra Choudhury, Leader of the Opposition in Tripura, stated, “Biplab Kumar Deb, BJP candidate from Tripura West PC, has engaged in baseless vilification campaigns during the election, particularly in the Tripura East (ST) PC constituency.”
The CPIM provided excerpts from a report published in the Syandan Patrika dated April 22, 2024, where Deb allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Communist Party. Choudhury emphasized that Deb’s statements violated the Model Code of Conduct, specifically Sub-rule ‘V’ of Part (B) of rule 4.4.2 Sub-Chapter Don’ts, which prohibits criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortions.
Additionally, the CPIM highlighted Deb’s remarks against Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, urging the Election Commission to conduct an impartial investigation and suspend Deb from any further election campaigning if found guilty.
In a separate complaint filed with the Returning Officer of the East Tripura constituency, the CPIM accused senior BJP Minister Ratan Lal Nath of openly encouraging false voting by offering a reward of two lakh rupees to the booth with the highest turnout during an election rally in Cherma. The CPIM labeled Nath’s actions as a brazen attempt to bribe voters, citing violation of the Model Code of Conduct and election laws.
The CPIM urged the Election Commission to take appropriate actions against both Deb and Nath to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure fair elections in Tripura.
Also Read: NFR launches affordable meals and water services for passengers