Voting has begun in the first phase of Assam's Panchayat elections, with voters turning up in large numbers early Friday morning. This phase, covering 14 districts, has seen long queues outside polling stations, signalling strong public participation in the democratic process.
The districts voting in this phase include Sonitpur, Biswanath, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi.
The Assam State Election Commission confirmed that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful and fair election. Over 1.20 lakh polling personnel have been deployed, and security forces are stationed at each polling booth.
Here’s everything you need to know as the election unfolds.
Election officials report a voter turnout of 56.41% by 3:30 pm today, May 2. The overall turnout of the day is awaited.
Allegations have been levelled against BJP supporters, who are accused of attacking the Congress candidate. The situation is now under scrutiny, with calls for a thorough investigation into the assault.
Congress Zilla Parishad candidate Kuber Yadav was reportedly beaten up in Sribhumi district. The incident occurred when Yadav went to a polling centre to check whether his agent was present.
Election officials report that an estimated 8.47% of the electorate had cast their votes during the first two hours of polling on Friday. The turnout is expected to rise steadily throughout the day.
A visually impaired voter arrived early at the Barsangan polling station in Assam’s Cachar district, guided by his mother and wife. The emotional moment underscored the essence of inclusive democracy, reflecting the unwavering commitment of every citizen, regardless of physical limitations, to exercise their right to vote.
Villagers accuse the district administration and a third party of colluding to manipulate the voter list. The boycott is being seen as a strong protest against what locals describe as systemic disenfranchisement.
Of the 1,026 total voters in Ward No. 5, about 600 belong to the Scheduled Castes. Locals claim this move has deliberately weakened their voting power and undermined fair representation in the panchayat process.
Residents of Ward No. 5 under Disangmukh Gaon Panchayat in Sivasagar have boycotted the Panchayat elections. The protest stems from allegations that 372 Scheduled Caste (SC) votes were wrongly shifted to Ward No. 6 of the Mishing Autonomous Council’s Balma Miri area.
Tasa's comments come as early reports show long queues outside polling stations, reflecting the strong enthusiasm of voters. The BJP MP is confident that voter participation will continue to rise throughout the day, boosting the overall turnout.
BJP MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa expressed optimism about the ongoing voting process in the first phase of Assam’s Panchayat elections. Speaking to the media, he said, "Voting is going on well...people want to elect their government and by evening, the (voting) percentage will increase.
Assam Minister and Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan participated in the first phase of the Panchayat elections, casting his vote early this morning. The elections are currently underway in 14 districts across the state.
A total of 1.80 crore voters are eligible to vote, with 25,007 polling stations set up across the state. The voter breakdown includes 90.71 lakh male voters, 89.65 lakh female voters, and 408 individuals registered in the "others" category.