Staff Reporter
Guwahati: Barring a few incidents, the polling for the first phase of the Panchayat Election 2025 in the state has been largely peaceful. Long queues were seen at polling stations, even as voting started at 7.30 am and concluded by 4.30 pm on Friday.
According to the latest information from the Assam State Election Commission (ASEC), in the 14 districts that went to the polls today, an approximate turnout of 56.41% was recorded.
ASEC sources provided the district-wise approximate voter turnout as: Tinsukia 48.14%, Dibrugarh 45%, Charaideo 50.94%, Sivasagar 57.72%, Majuli 61.67%, Jorhat 57%, Golaghat 52.51%, Dhemaji 62.1%, Lakhimpur 66.5%, Sonitpur 52.5%, Biswanath 56.89%, Cachar 58.55%, Hailakandi 60.10%, Sribhumi 60.15%. However, the final turnout figures are likely to be revised.
There was enthusiasm among voters in the rural areas where the election was held. A 105-year-old man was even seen participating in the voting process in Khumtai in Golaghat district. Also, an 81-year-old woman identified as Konmai Bora was seen voting in a polling booth in the Jorhat district.
In Majuli, an incident of ballot paper and box snatching was reported from Ahotguri Kachikota Model ME School. It was alleged by some local people that there were discrepancies in the ballot papers that led to a few people snatching away the ballot papers in question, along with the ballot box. Later, Majuli BJP MLA Bhubon Gam alleged that the people involved in the incident belonged to the Congress party. Sources said a repoll in the polling centre involved will be held on May 4.
There was also a report of fisticuffs among two groups of people in Dalgram in the Karimganj South district. Following the altercation, several people suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital.
Several ministers were seen voting in their respective polling stations. Among them were Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Industries & Commerce Minister Bimal Borah, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, etc. Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah exercised his franchise at a polling station in Narayanpur in the Lakhimpur district. Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi voted at Laipuli ME School in Tinsukia district.
The second phase of polling for the panchayat poll will be conducted on May 7 in 13 districts in Middle and Lower Assam. The counting of votes will take place on May 11.
Talking to The Sentinel, Agriculture Minister and AGP president Atul Bora said, “People have cast their votes in favour of the AGP-BJP alliance as they have seen development take place during the NDA regime.”
Also Read: Can mushrooms help boost health in Parkinson’s patients?
Also Watch: