In the by-polls to five Assam assembly constituencies, an estimated 72.96 per cent voter turnout was recorded by 5 pm, according to officials. A total of 9.1 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes in the elections held on Wednesday. Despite minor incidents of violence, the overall polling process proceeded smoothly, with authorities ensuring that voters could participate without significant disruptions.
The by-polls were conducted in the assembly constituencies of Bhabanipur, Gossaigaon, Mariani, Tamulpur, and Thowra. Each of these constituencies was witnessing a keenly contested race, with candidates from various political parties vying for voter support. The by-poll elections were of great significance, as they came at a time when Assam is undergoing significant political shifts, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) trying to retain and gain their respective constituencies.
The voter turnout figures reflected high political engagement across the constituencies. Voters, including men, women, and young people, actively participated, with long queues witnessed outside several polling booths. The enthusiasm was particularly evident in urban areas such as Gossaigaon, while rural parts also saw a strong response from the electorate.
The elections were held under tight security, given the history of occasional violence during polls in the state. Although there were reports of minor scuffles between rival political parties in some areas, the authorities managed to control the situation quickly. Assam has been experiencing a period of intense political activity, with increasing numbers of voters feeling compelled to have their voices heard, given the local and national significance of these elections.
Election officials were present at various polling stations, ensuring that the process ran smoothly and voters were able to cast their ballots with minimal issues. In addition to security forces, the authorities deployed additional teams to monitor the polling stations to prevent any untoward incidents or violations of the code of conduct.
While the state had made all necessary preparations for a peaceful election day, there were minor disruptions, such as short delays in some remote areas where logistical challenges arose. However, these were quickly resolved to allow people to vote without undue hardship.
The voters’ enthusiasm was matched by the candidates’ efforts to campaign effectively in the lead-up to the election. As political parties engaged in vigorous campaigning, it became clear that the by-polls were more than just a routine process, but an opportunity for all parties to gauge their strength and make critical inroads into rival territories. Voter sentiment had shifted in recent months, and all eyes were on these by-polls as an early indicator of how the political winds were blowing in Assam.
Several leaders, including those from the BJP, Congress, and other regional parties, had visited the constituencies to rally support for their candidates. The parties made concerted efforts to target issues that were most relevant to the local electorate. For example, employment, infrastructure, and the overall governance of the state were hot-button issues that candidates used to mobilize voter support.
As polling progressed, the overall atmosphere remained calm and orderly despite the minor skirmishes reported from a few areas. Election officials, along with law enforcement personnel, worked hard to ensure the safety of voters and maintain peace in the areas where any unrest occurred. Their efforts helped keep the situation under control, ensuring that voters were not intimidated or discouraged from casting their ballots.
As the voting period closed at 5 pm, the focus now shifts to the counting process. The outcome of these by-polls could have significant political ramifications, shaping the power dynamics in Assam’s legislative assembly. The results will be keenly awaited by both political parties and the electorate to understand the implications of this contest on future elections in the state.
The by-polls to the five Assam assembly constituencies have generated significant interest, with voters turning out in large numbers despite the minor incidents that occurred during the day. As the counting of votes takes place, the future political landscape in Assam will begin to take shape, with the results likely influencing upcoming elections in the region.