Agartala, Nov 5: The Congress on Thursday filed nomination papers in 50 of the 51 wards of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), completing most of its preparations for the November 27 civic elections, party leaders said.
The nomination for the remaining ward could not be submitted due to documentation-related issues and would be filed on Friday, they said.
Addressing reporters ahead of the nomination process, Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Ashish Kumar Saha launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led civic administration, alleging that it had failed to address major urban challenges during its five-year tenure.
Saha claimed that Agartala’s development had taken place without a systematic urban planning framework and alleged that the city had not witnessed the planned growth expected under the present municipal administration.
He also questioned the implementation of projects under the Smart City programme, alleging irregularities in the utilisation of public funds and demanding greater transparency and accountability in the execution of development initiatives.
The Congress leader said increasing property taxes and higher water charges had placed an additional financial burden on residents. He said the party, if voted to power, would work towards providing relief to households from the rising cost of municipal services.
Raising concerns over drinking water availability, Saha claimed that residents in several parts of the city continued to face difficulties in accessing adequate and safe drinking water.
Improving water supply, strengthening civic infrastructure and ensuring efficient delivery of basic municipal services would be among the party’s key priorities, he said.
Saha also criticised the government’s employment record, alleging that commitments made to unemployed youths had not translated into sufficient job opportunities.
Party leaders said the Congress would centre its election campaign on issues such as urban planning, transparency in civic projects, taxation, drinking water supply, environmental management and employment.
The filing of nominations in almost all wards marks the Congress’s formal entry into the electoral contest, with the party seeking to challenge the BJP’s control over the municipal body.
The November 27 elections are expected to witness a multi-cornered contest, with political parties stepping up their organisational activities and campaigning to mobilise voters across the municipal corporation area.
The outcome of the civic polls will determine the composition of the 51-member Agartala Municipal Corporation.
