The opposition Congress on Thursday stepped up its campaign for the upcoming Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections by filing nomination papers for candidates in 50 of the 51 wards. Party leaders said nominations for the remaining ward could not be submitted due to issues related to the required documentation and would be filed on Friday, completing the party's slate for all 51 wards.
Speaking to reporters before the nomination process, Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Ashish Kumar Saha launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP government, accusing it of failing to deliver planned urban development despite being in power for the past five years.
Saha alleged that the government had not prepared any comprehensive master plan for the development of Agartala. He also questioned the utilisation of funds under the Smart City Mission, claiming that corruption had taken place in the implementation of the project.
The Congress leader further accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises on employment and said the municipal election was not merely a contest to elect public representatives but also a fight to free citizens from the burden of excessive taxation.
He said the party would make the hike in property tax and water tax a major election issue, alleging that the increased taxes had imposed an unnecessary financial burden on ordinary residents.
Raising concerns over civic amenities, Saha also criticised the government over the city's drinking water supply, environmental protection and overall municipal services. He claimed that many residents continue to face hardship due to the shortage of safe drinking water.
The Congress said it would campaign aggressively by highlighting the ruling party's alleged failures in governance, corruption and civic administration. Expressing confidence ahead of the polls, the party leadership said it expects to secure strong public support and perform well in the municipal elections.