Digital News Guru Election Desk:
Assam Panchayat Elections Underway
The first phase of the 2025 Assam Panchayat elections unfolded on May 2, 2025, across 14 districts, marking a significant event in the state’s democratic process. The elections witnessed enthusiastic voter participation, with over 89.6 lakh eligible voters casting their ballots to elect representatives for various rural governance bodies.
Robust Voter Turnout Reflects Democratic Engagement
Polling commenced at 7:30 AM and continued until 4:30 PM across 12,916 polling stations. By 1:30 PM, the voter turnout had reached approximately 41.87%, indicating a strong engagement from the electorate.
The final turnout figures are expected to be higher, reflecting the citizens’ commitment to grassroots democracy.
Districts Participating in the First Phase
The first phase encompassed the following 14 districts:
- Sonitpur
- Biswanath
- Dhemaji
- Lakhimpur
- Tinsukia
- Dibrugarh
- Sivasagar
- Charaideo
- Jorhat
- Majuli
- Golaghat
- Cachar
- Hailakandi
- Sribhumi
These districts span Upper Assam, Northern Assam, and the Barak Valley, highlighting the extensive reach of the electoral process.
Key Details of the First Phase
- Polling Schedule: Voting began at 7:30 AM and continued until 4:30 PM across 12,916 polling stations.
- Voter Turnout: As of 1:30 PM, approximately 41.87% of voters had cast their ballots, with turnout expected to rise by the end of the day .
- Districts Involved: The elections are being held in districts including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Majuli, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Cachar, Hailakandi, and the newly formed Sribhumi district
- Security Measures: To ensure peaceful polling, over 1.20 lakh polling personnel have been deployed, with security forces stationed at every booth .
Security Measures Ensured Peaceful Polling
To facilitate a smooth electoral process, the Assam State Election Commission deployed over 1.20 lakh polling personnel. Security forces were stationed at every polling booth to maintain law and order. Approximately 11% of the polling stations were identified as “critical” based on past incidents, and additional security measures were implemented in these areas.
Isolated Incidents of Violence Reported
Despite the overall peaceful conduct, a few incidents of violence were reported:
- In Sribhumi’s Choudhury Tilla area, a ballot box was thrown into a pond, leading to the cancellation of polling at that center. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.
- Clashes between supporters of different political parties occurred in the Katigorah area of Cachar district, resulting in injuries to five individuals.
Authorities have taken swift action to address these incidents and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Political Landscape and Unopposed Victories
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has already secured 37 Zila Parishad and 288 Anchalik Panchayat seats unopposed, indicating strong support in certain regions.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence in the NDA’s performance, stating that the unopposed victories reflect the immense trust and overwhelming love the people of Assam have for the NDA and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Upcoming Phases and Counting Schedule
The second phase of the Panchayat elections is scheduled for May 7, 2025, covering the remaining districts. The counting of votes for both phases will take place on May 11, 2025.
The 2025 Assam Panchayat elections are being closely watched as a precursor to the 2026 state assembly elections, providing insights into the political sentiments at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
The first phase of the 2025 Assam Panchayat elections commenced today, May 2, across 14 districts, marking a significant event in the state’s political landscape. With over 89.6 lakh eligible voters, the elections are a crucial step in strengthening grassroots democracy in Assam.
Second Phase: Scheduled for May 7, the second phase will cover additional districts, with the counting of votes set for May 11 .
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