CPI-M's Tripura Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury on Tuesday said that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are not only about forming a government but also protecting the nation, its democracy and the Constitution.
Addressing an election rally at Baikhora in southern Tripura, Chaudhury, who is also the co-convener of the INDIA bloc in Tripura, accused the ruling BJP of trying to impose dictatorship curbing the independent views, thinking, and actions.
"Over 140 crore people of India are now in grave danger due to the autocratic governance of the BJP. To protect the nation and its people, 27 political parties, despite differences, formed the INDIA bloc to vote out the BJP," he said.
For the first time in the 72-year electoral history of Tripura, the Left and the Congress are contesting together in the parliamentary polls to take on the BJP, though the two traditional rivals jointly fought against the ruling party in last year’s Assembly elections.
The Left leader said there were differences between the Left parties and the Congress but an alliance was formed between them to protect the country, its democracy, and its Constitution.
"Some unelected people backed by the ruling party leaders are controlling everything in Tripura, be it government services, beneficiary selection for government schemes, trade and business, or normal activities of life. If anyone raises any issues against any BJP leaders, he or she would either be attacked or arrested by the law enforcing agencies," Chaudhury alleged.
Criticising the BJP’s "Achhe Din" and "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas" slogans, he said that a small section of people close to the ruling party are getting all benefits and privileges. The BJP came to power due to the division of non-BJP and opposition votes, Choudhury said, adding that less than one-third of people supported the BJP.
He alleged that the BJP is killing the democratic system of India and that people would cast their votes against such misdeeds.
Of Tripura's two Lok Sabha seats, Tripura West goes to polls on April 19 and Tripura East on April 26. Congress's state President Asish Kumar Saha is contesting, as the INDIA bloc candidate, in the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat against BJP nominee and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb while former CPI-M MLA Rajendra Reang is the bloc nominee in the Tripura East constituency, reserved for the tribals, against the BJP’s Kriti Devi Debbarma.
Waqf Act row: SC to hear on Monday PIL seeking judicial probe into Bengal violence
The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the formation of a five-member judicial enquiry commission under the chairmanship of a retired apex court judge to enquire into the violent protests erupted against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in West Bengal’s Murshidabad.
Security forces intensify operations in Manipur, 11 insurgents arrested
Eleven insurgents have been arrested in Manipur and arms and ammunition recovered in the past 24 hours, said officials here, adding that top Army officers of the region have met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
India’s forex, money markets have doubled in last 4 years: RBI Governor
Addressing the 24th FIMMDA-PDAI annual conference in Bali this weekend, Malhotra said the levels of transparency in Indian markets are at par with the best in the world.
US Vice President JD Vance to land in India on Monday for four-day high-profile visit
US Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri Vance and their three children, is set to arrive in India on Monday for a four-day official visit as part of his broader international tour.
Karnataka sacred thread row: PU College Principal, staff suspended
Principal and staff of Sai Spoorthi Pre-University College in Karnataka's Bidar district were suspended after a probe by the police confirmed that students were not allowed to take the Common Entrance Test (CET) for wearing the sacred thread (janivara/janeu), in violation of rules and guidelines.
Delhi govt to flag-off 1,111 GPS-enabled water tankers for summer
In a major move to tackle the water needs of Delhi during the peak summer season, the Delhi government will roll out 1,111 GPS-enabled water tankers on Sunday.
Bangladesh seeks Interpol Red Notice against ousted PM Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh has requested Interpol to issue a red notice against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others in connection with a case alleging conspiracy to overthrow the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, according to local media reports.
'New hope, new beginnings', Prez Murmu, PM Modi extend Easter greetings
On the occasion of Easter Sunday, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to citizens, emphasising the festival's universal message of new beginnings.