Under the banner of “Secular Democratic Forces”, seven Opposition parties held a huge rally in Agartala against poll violence unleashed by BJP on Saturday.
The Opposition leaders submitted a memorandum to chief electoral officer Kiran Dinkarrao Gitte demanding stricter action against assaliants.
The joint rally of Congress, CPM, CPI, Revolutionary Socialist Party, All India Forward Bloc, CPI (ML) and the Tripura People’s Party covered all major streets of the state capital.
“My vote, my right” slogans were raised during the rally.
Days before, at least 40 Congress leaders and workers including state in-charge Ajay Kumar were injured in violence carried by BJP workers.
“We came here on behalf of the people to raise their voice and restore their rights. Taking into account the ruling party’s malpractices, the Election Commission has initiated a mission for zero poll violence. But recent incidents suggest that BJP leaders and ministers are challenging the commission’s resolve,” CPM state secretary Jitendra Chaudhary told reporters.
He alleged a minister’s involvement in Wednesday’s violence at Majlishpur in West Tripura district.
There had been over 54 incidents of poll violence, leaders said.
