The opposition CPI(M) and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Tripura, accusing them of pursuing anti-worker policies and undermining democracy during the ongoing urban local body elections in the state.
The allegations were raised at a large CITU rally held at Orient Chowmuhani area of Agartala on Saturday, organized to demand the repeal of the four labour codes and to mobilize support for the nationwide Parliament march in New Delhi from December 1 to 3.
The rally witnessed a large turnout of workers from across the state, with a notable participation of members of the indigenous tribal community—an aspect that drew attention amid changing political dynamics following the emergence of Tiupra-Motha.
The meeting was attended by CPI (M) Politburo member and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Chaudhury, former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, CITU all India general secretary Elamaram Kareem, national president Sudip Dutta, President of Tripura unit of CITU, Manik Dey and its state general secretary Sankar Prasad Datta and senior women workers' leader Panchali Bhattacharya, among others.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers criticized the BJP governments over issues affecting workers, including employment, labour rights, social security and the rising cost of living, while also accusing the ruling party of weakening democratic institutions.
Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar alleged that "jungle raj" prevails in Tripura and claimed that law and order had deteriorated under the present government. "The state is being run through jungle raj. People's voices are ignored, and law and order has virtually collapsed," Sarkar said.
He further alleged that opposition candidates were prevented from filing nominations in the ongoing Municipal and Nagar Panchayat elections and claimed that some candidates who succeeded in filing their papers were later intimidated and forced to withdraw their nominations.
CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury addressing the gathering accused the BJP of "looting democracy" in the civic polls with the alleged support of the State Election Commission (SEC).
"The ruling party has hijacked democracy in the upcoming Municipal and Nagar Panchayat elections with the assistance of the SEC. The Commission appears satisfied when ruling party candidates are elected unopposed. Despite protests over the nomination process, the SEC has remained silent," Chaudhury alleged.
Elamaram Kareem said Left activists in Tripura continued to face political attacks but asserted that the massive public participation in the rally reflected growing resistance against what he described as "oppression." He urged workers from across the country to join the Parliament march in New Delhi, saying the movement would continue until the workers' demands were fulfilled.
CITU national president Sudip Dutta also criticized the conduct of the civic elections, alleging that intimidation and electoral malpractice were being used to secure victories for the ruling party.
"Working people have demonstrated how democratic rights can be defended. Those who are helping conduct elections through intimidation and alleged vote theft will ultimately have to answer before the people," he said.
The rally concluded with a call for strengthening the nationwide movement to safeguard workers' rights, repeal the labour codes and defend democratic values.
The BJP has consistently rejected allegations of electoral malpractice, maintaining that the civic election process is being conducted in accordance with the law.