Assam Panchayat Polls: Number of candidates reduced to half after new norms

GUWAHATI: The new norms that have been set for the panchayat poll in Assam, it seems, have their reflection in the number of candidates in fray this rural poll, which is almost half of what it was in the last such poll in the State.

The number of candidates in fray in this panchayat poll in the State is 78,571. The fewer number of candidates contesting panchayat poll this year is attributed to the new norms on educational qualification of candidates, two-child norm, possession of sanitary latrines etc.

Significantly, as many as 734 candidates this year have been elected unopposed, mostly from the BJP.

Talking to The Sentinel, State Election Commissioner HN Bora said: “As many as 43,515 candidates are going to contest the first phase of panchayat poll slated for December 5 – 796 are vying for ZPC member posts, 3,799 for AP member posts, 4,155 for GP president posts and 34,765 for GP member posts. In phase II of the poll slated for December 9, 35,056 candidates are in fray – 716 for ZPC member posts, 3,205 for AP member posts, 3,512 for GP president posts and 27,623 for GP member posts.”

According to the State Election Commission, a total of 734 candidates have been elected unopposed – 380 of the BJP, 193 of the Congress, 28 of the AGP, ten of the AIUDF, five of the BPF, one of the CPI(M) and 117 independent candidates.

Bora said: “As of now, everything is going on peacefully. I’ve visited upper Assam and taken stock of poll preparations there. While many of the poll observers have reached their respective destinations, some are on the way. The number of candidates in fray in this panchayat poll is almost half of what it was in the 2013 panchayat poll.”

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