Assam by-polls: Sidli Assembly constituency sees 71.50 per cent voter turnout

The by-election in 31 No Sidli (ST) Constituency concluded peacefully on Wednesday, with a voter turnout of 71.50% recorded till 5 PM, as per the Returning Officer, Jatin Borah. 

Polling began at 7:00 AM, with voters queuing up early at various polling stations across the constituency, showcasing strong enthusiasm for the democratic process.

Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Sanjiv Wary, who cast his vote at the Runikhata Higher Secondary School polling center in Chirang, expressed optimism about the outcome. 

Accompanied by his wife, Wary said, "I am hopeful and confident that the people of Sidli will place their trust in me. The overwhelming support seen today is a clear sign of public confidence in my candidacy."

Nirmal Kumar Brahma, the NDA-backed UPPL candidate, cast his vote at 120 Polling Centre Bhopanipur LP School, while BPF candidate Sudha Kumar Basumatary voted at 950 No Kashikotra LP School polling center. Both candidates expressed confidence in their chances of securing victory.

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Madhab Chandra Chetry, General Secretary and Political Adviser to the BTR Chief of the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), also participated in the voting process with his family at the Gurubhasa Higher Secondary School polling center in Chirang. Chetry highlighted the positive atmosphere in the region, attributing the high voter turnout to the peace and stability brought by the BTR peace accord. "The public is happy, and they have come out to vote in large numbers. The peace accord has brought stability to the region, and people are optimistic about the future," he stated.

The Returning Officer was reported a steady turnout across the 273 polling stations were set up for the by-election, with 33 stations identified as critical due to their sensitivity. 

The electorate for the constituency stands at 2,17,183, including 1,07,894 male voters, 1,09,283 female voters, and 4 third-gender voters. A team of 1,224 polling officers was deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the election.

The by-election has been closely watched, with both major parties confident of securing victory in the highly contested constituency. 

Despite the competition, the peaceful conclusion of voting underscores the strong democratic spirit in Sidli, and the public's commitment to shaping their political future.