The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tripura is raising concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in the state. In a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the CPI(M) has demanded immediate intervention citing lack of transparency and violent attacks on its members.
The letter, signed by State Secretariat members Manik Dey, Naresh Jamatia, Sudhan Das, and Ratan Das, expressed that political parties and the public have been kept in the dark about the objectives and methods of the revision. While acknowledging the importance of identifying fake voters, the party emphasized the need for transparency and inclusivity in the process.
The CPI(M) alleged that BJP workers physically assaulted three of its leaders at the Santirbazar ERO office on September 16, with one victim, Balaram Reang, filing an FIR that reportedly saw no follow-up. Additionally, on September 19, the CPI(M) Pratapgarh Local Committee office was allegedly demolished by ruling party supporters, and on September 22, CPI(M) candidate Shyamal Debbarma was reportedly attacked at his home by members of the Tipra Motha party after attending an ERO meeting.
Furthermore, the CPI(M) claimed that several local offices, including four Sub-Divisional Committee offices in Kamalpur, Jirania, Mohanpur, and Santirbazar, have been non-functional due to persistent threats since 2018.
The party has called for the CEO to convene an all-party meeting to clarify the SIR process and gather feedback. They have also requested the suspension of the exercise at the Sub-Division level until consultations are held. Additionally, the CPI(M) has urged for action to be taken against those responsible for the alleged attacks, warning that democratic rights are under threat in the state.
