It's official – rural poll after Bihu, in 3 phases

GUWAHATI, March 19: It is official now – the much talked-about panchayat poll in the State is going to be held after the Rongali Bihu and in three phases.

Putting the speculation on pachayat poll in the State to rest on Monday, the Assam State Election Commissioner (SEC), Harendra th Bora, said “The panchayat poll will be held in April-May this year after the Rongali Bihu. The poll will be held in three phases. The NRC update work in the State has been impeding preparations for panchayat poll.”

Panchayat polls are due in Assam and Rs 145 crore has been sanctioned for it by the State government. The last panchayat elections in the State were held in December 2013. The terms of the present panchayats in the State are going to expire in July this year.

The State NRC Coorditor has already instructed all deputy commissioners (DCs) that NRC update is a very high and grave priority, and that the fil draft must be ready on June 30 next as otherwise it will boil down to contempt of court. The Supreme Court is monitoring the whole exercise.