UPDF, 2 rebel candidates stand in alliances' way
Two rebels and a United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) candidate have posed a threat to both the candidates of grand alliance and four-party alliance.
This is because of popularity of the three candidates in big Khagrachhari constituency comprising Khagrachhari Sadar, Panchhari, Dighinala, Mohalchhari, Manikchhari, Matiranga, Laxmichhari and Ramghor upazilas.
Rebel Awami League (AL) candidate Mohammad Zahedul Alam, contesting as an independent candidate, has cornered grand alliance candidate Jotindra Lal Tripura, also president of District AL. Many party leaders and indigenous candidates are also backing Zahedul.
When contacted, Jotindra Lal said he is hopeful of winning because he will receive votes of majority of indigenous voters.
But Zahedul cited Wadud Bhuiyan's example who won the 2001 elections although he was a BNP-nominated Bengali candidate. Jotindra has no acceptance among his own community people, he said. Because he had contested for the chief post of Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan Sangsad, the highest post of Tripura ethnic community, on May 23 where he got only 28 votes which questions his popularity, Zahedul said.
When contacted, Jotindra Lal said he is contesting to regain the seat that was lost in 2001 elections.
Four-party alliance candidate and district BNP advisor Samiron Dewan is also under pressure of rebel candidate Daudul Islam Bhuiyan, also former vice president of district Jubo Dal. Daud is contesting as an independent candidate to whom most of BNP leaders are backing. He also got support of 101 members of district Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
However, most of the leaders at the grassroots level are with Samiron.
UPDF candidate Uzzal Smrity Chakma is a major factor before both the alliances.
When contacted, Uzzal Chakma said he and his organisation work for indigenous people. It will continue in future also weather he is elected or not, he said. If voted to power, he will change fate of indigenous people in Chittagong Hill Tracts, he said.
There are 3,37,397 voters in the constituency including 1,73,781 male and 1,63,616 female voters, election office sources said.
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