Agartala, September 27: CPI(M) leader and former Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar’s convoy was allegedly held up at Kalibazar in Bamutia on Sunday morning, with the party claiming that one of the vehicles accompanying him was damaged during the incident.
The alleged confrontation occurred around 10 am when Sarkar was travelling to attend a CPI(M) organisational meeting in Bamutia, according to party leaders.
The CPI(M) claimed that a group of people blocked the road and prevented the convoy from moving forward. Sarkar and his entourage remained stranded for nearly 40 minutes before the route was cleared, the party said.
One of the escort vehicles was also allegedly vandalised during the incident, according to CPI(M) leaders, who claimed that the persons involved were backed by the BJP.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
CPI(M) workers, including members of the party’s youth wing, reached the spot after learning about the incident, party leaders said. Tension prevailed in the area for some time before the people allegedly responsible for the blockade left the spot.
The former chief minister subsequently proceeded to Bamutia and attended the scheduled organisational conference, where he addressed party workers.
CPI(M) leaders condemned the incident and alleged that the obstruction was aimed at disrupting the activities of opposition leaders ahead of the Village Committee elections.
The incident comes a day before polling for Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). The election has witnessed intensified political activity, with parties holding meetings and campaigning across the council areas.
The CPI(M) has alleged instances of intimidation and political violence during the election period and has demanded adequate security arrangements. The ruling alliance has rejected such allegations.
The party said the incident highlighted the need for authorities to ensure adequate protection for political leaders and workers and maintain law and order during the electoral process.
It also urged the authorities to ensure that candidates and political parties could conduct meetings and other election-related activities without obstruction.
Sarkar, who was Tripura’s chief minister for more than 20 years, continues to take part in CPI(M) organisational programmes and election activities.
There was no immediate statement from police or the administration on the alleged incident. Details of any police complaint or investigation were also not immediately available.
The CPI(M) said it would approach the authorities seeking action over the alleged obstruction and damage to the vehicle.
