Rs 18 crore okayed for polling stations across BTAD areas

GUWAHATI: For maintenance of the COVID-19 protocols in the polling stations under the BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council), the State government has approved an amount of Rs 18 crore.

Elections to the 40 constituencies under BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Area Districts), for these BTC polls were earlier slated on April 4. 2020. However due to the pandemic situation across the State, the Assam State Election Commission (ASEC) deferred the polls on March 20, 2020.

The BTAD has been under the Governor's Rule since April, 2020.

Sources in the Department for the Welfare of Backward Classes & Plain Tribes informed that if the COVID-19-related situation normalizes in the State then there are chances that the elections may be conducted in the last part of October or November this year. The final call in this regard will be taken by the ASEC.

It has also been learnt that the polling stations in BTAD are also likely to be increased. This move has been envisaged in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines.

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