Agartala: Political differences between the CPI(M) and the Congress, the two principal opposition parties in Tripura, have surfaced ahead of the by-election to the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency after the Left party announced its candidate for the seat.
Congress leader and MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Friday said the CPI(M) should have consulted the Congress before declaring Amitabha Datta as its nominee for the Dharmanagar bypoll.
Addressing reporters, Roy Barman said the Congress had expected the CPI(M) to hold discussions with its opposition partner before announcing a candidate, considering the understanding between the two parties in the state.
He noted that the Congress had refrained from fielding candidates in the recent by-elections to the Dhanpur, Boxanagar, and Ramnagar Assembly constituencies, where the CPI(M) had contested the polls.
According to Roy Barman, the Congress had extended support to the Left parties during those bypolls as part of efforts to strengthen the opposition space in the state.
Referring to the Dharmanagar bypoll, he said the CPI(M) should reconsider its decision and show respect to the Congress by withdrawing its candidate.
Roy Barman added that the Congress had already fulfilled its responsibility in maintaining opposition unity in previous elections, and that it was now up to the CPI(M) to take a call.
He also alleged that the CPI(M)’s decision to field a candidate in Dharmanagar could indirectly benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Dharmanagar Assembly constituency in North Tripura district fell vacant following the death of former Speaker and BJP MLA Bishwabandhu Sen in December last year.
While the Election Commission is yet to announce the schedule for the by-election, political activities in the constituency have intensified, with parties beginning preparations for the contest.
Leaders of the CPI(M) are yet to respond to Roy Barman’s remarks.
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