AGARTALA | October 30, 2026 The Tripura branch of the India Alliance organized a major protest march and rally in Agartala today. The demonstration was held to demand the protection of constitutional dignity, the immediate cancellation of the Special Intensified Revision (SIR) process of the voters’ list, and the safeguarding of voting rights for every citizen. Leaders and activists representing eight political parties took part in the program.
- Manik Sarkar (Former Chief Minister):
- Alleged that efforts are being made to protect the interests of the central government’s top leadership by utilizing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Claimed the ruling BJP government is attempting to manipulate the voter list in its favor to maintain power.
- Asserted that targeted attempts are underway to exclude marginalized communities—including Muslims, Scheduled Castes, workers, farmers, agricultural laborers, daily wage earners, and government critics—from the electoral rolls.
- Jitendra Chowdhury (CPI(M) State Secretary):
- Described the protest as a reflection of the unity among patriotic and democratic forces.
- Accused the Election Commission of failing to fulfill its constitutional duties.
- Emphasized that the commission must protect the common man’s voting rights and ensure opposition candidates can contest elections without hindrance.
- Sudip Roy Barman (Congress MLA):
- Alleged that key national institutions, including the Election Commission, Enforcement Directorate (ED), CBI, and Income Tax Department, are being leveraged for political gain.
- Objected to the current appointment system for Election Commissioners.
- Ashish Kumar Saha (Pradesh Congress President):
- Addressed the gathering, reinforcing the alliance’s collective demands during the meeting.
