Guwahati: The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPIM) has voiced concerns regarding the deployment of police forces from Gujarat and Assam in Tripura where assembly elections are set on February 16.
Nilotpal Basu, a member of the CPI(M) Polit Bureau, sent a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) objecting to the deployment of the police forces of Gujarat and Assam. Only central paramilitary forces should be deployed, according to the party’s demands.
“We were greatly reassured by the tone of urgency by the Election Commission of India on the holding of a free and fair election for the Assembly in Tripura in an atmosphere free of fear and terror. In our interaction with the full commission on January 19, 2023, the sense of reassurance was further confirmed. But now certain developments are causing concern. Firstly, we have been given to understand that detachments of Assam police and the Gujarat police have been deployed for maintaining law and order, in some cases replacing the Border Security Force (BSF) units, whose conduct was inspiring the confidence of the people. The deployment of the other state police forces is unusual. More so, as this is not a general election; and implicitly requiring far less security forces which should normally be required in addition to Central security forces. The Assam Chief Minister is virtually camping in Tripura and therefore, the appearance of Assam police causes concern. Equally, the deployment of Gujarat police from the other corner of the country to this tiny North Eastern state is bound to be perceived as an extraneous factor for influencing the poll outcome. We, therefore, urge you that the conduct of a free and fair poll is also seen as such and ensure that only Central forces are deployed”, mentioned the letter by CPI(M) to the Election Commission.
The letter further stated, “We also draw your attention to the chaotic situation which emerged in conducting of the postal ballot. The letter of the secretary of the Tripura State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is attached herewith which will provide you the precise details (Annexure 1).”
The disorderly circumstances that arose during the Tripura postal vote have also been brought to ECI’s attention by CPI(M). It has also demanded that Rahul Das, Bishalgarh SDPO, be fired because of serious allegations and FIRs against him.