AGARTALA, Oct 3: The CPIM in Tripura has begun preparations for the upcoming Urban Local Bodies elections, with Leader of Opposition and party state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury saying the party will raise issues of civic governance, accountability and people’s rights during its campaign.
Chaudhury said organisational preparations had begun across urban areas, while public outreach programmes had also been launched in areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.
“We have fought earlier and we will fight again. We are also receiving a good response from the people,” Chaudhury said, adding that the elections would provide an opportunity to raise issues concerning urban governance.
Criticising the BJP-led government’s performance in urban areas, he said development should extend beyond infrastructure such as roads, drains, water supply and electricity to include the social and cultural aspects of city life and accountable administration.
Chaudhury alleged that despite government spending and repeated development targets, people continued to face problems with roads, lanes and drainage systems. He also alleged the influence of what he described as “mafias” and demands for commissions in activities ranging from land transactions to house repairs and purchases of construction materials.
“The people are fed up with this situation. The question is how to come out of it and how to unite people to establish a democratic and accountable administration,” he said.
Chaudhury said the CPIM would take these issues to voters as part of its preparations for the Urban Local Bodies elections and seek to mobilise public opinion around democratic and accountable civic administration.
