Tripura CPM leader killed ahead of civic polls, statewide shutdown called today

He succumbed to his injuries at GBP Hospital on Saturday, said Tripura Left Front convener Narayan Kar. He alleged that over a dozen of Left Front party leaders and members were attacked by the BJP cadre since announcement of panchayat polls.

Speaking about their shutdown programme, CPI(M) Tripura state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said that there would be no picketing in support of the strike. He also appealed to the people to extend support to the dawn-to-dusk strike.

Congress Working Committee member Sudip Roy Barman said that his party would extend support to the strike.  BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee said that they would oppose the strike as it would disturb the normal situation in the state ahead of the panchayat elections.

As per announced schedule, 6,370 seats in 606 gram panchayats of the state, 423 seats in 35 panchayat samities and 116 seats in eight zilla parishad bodies are scheduled to go to polls on August 8, with counting on August 12. State Election Commissioner (SEC) Saradindu Chaudhuri said the notification for the elections was issued on Thursday and nomination papers can be filed till July 18.