Opposition CPI(M) raised their strong objection over the deployment of Gujarat and Assam police in Tripura for poll duties replacing the BSF and urged the Election Commission to conduct assembly election only with deployment of central forces.

In a letter submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Nilotpal Basu has raised concerns with regard to the deployment of police forces of Gujarat and Assam in Tripura where assembly elections are scheduled, replacing the Border Security Force. The Party has demanded that only central para military forces should be deployed.

The Party has also drawn the attention of the ECI towards the chaotic situation which emerged in conducting the postal ballot. It has also demanded the removal of Rahul Das, SDPO(Bishalgarh) who is facing serious allegations and has FIRs lodged against him.

Basu in his letter to the ECI said that “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,” said Basu in his letter. He urged the ECI to ensure the conduct of a free and fair poll with only Central forces.

He also drew the ECI attention to the chaotic situation which emerged in the conduct of the postal ballot and the Commission on the deployment of Rahul Das, SDPO, Bishalgarh. He is charged with several serious allegations under provisions of CrPC. Basu hoped that the Commission would address these issues with the urgency to conduct free and fair elections in Tripura.