AGARTALA, Sep 5 (TIWN): Terming the upcoming Panchayat by-election as illegal and unconstitutional, CPI-M(L) has announced to avoid the whole election.

Addressing in a press conference, General Secretary of CPI-M (L) Partha Karmakar said, "According to rules of Panchayat-act 1993 only in case of death, normal resignation, suspension from party the panchayat election can be held".

"But here 3207 in Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti 161, Jila Parishad 18 seats are vacant. What is the reason behind so many vacant posts ? These are the results of lawless condition of the state", said Chakraborty. 

Around 96 per cent of the total elected representatives of CPI-M and other non-BJP parties were forced to resign following BJP leaders' and workers' threat after the saffron party-led coalition government assumed office in March.

The Tripura State Election Commission on Saturday announced by-elections to the 3,386 vacant seats of three-tier gram panchayats on September 30, October 1.