Assam panchayat polls phase 1: 56.41% voter turnout amid scattered violence and clashes

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 2, 2025

The first phase of the Assam Panchayat elections concluded on Friday with a voter turnout of 56.41%, according to the State Election Commission (SEC). Voting was held across 14 districts, including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Majuli, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi.

As of 3:30 PM, the highest turnout was recorded in:

Lakhimpur: 66.5%
Dhemaji: 62.1%
Majuli: 61.67%
Other notable turnouts include:
Sribhumi: 60.15%
Hailakandi: 60.10%
Cachar: 58.55%
Sivasagar: 57.72%
Jorhat: 57%
Biswanath: 56.89%
Golaghat: 52.51%
Sonitpur: 52.5%

The lowest turnout was in Charaideo, at 50.94%.

A senior SEC official said the final turnout figure will be updated once ballots from remote polling stations are received.

Despite largely peaceful polling, scattered incidents of violence were reported:

Sonitpur: On the eve of the election, BJP worker Rathindra Dey was assaulted by fellow party member Leela Newar in the Dhekiajuli area, triggering local protests demanding Newar’s arrest.

Cachar (Katigorah): At Polling Station 2 of Phulbari Tarinipur Gaon Panchayat, an alleged booth capture attempt led to a clash between rival candidate groups, injuring at least two. Police restored order quickly, and polling resumed.

DIG (Southern Range) KJ Saikia confirmed that additional security was deployed.

Sribhumi (Ramkrishnanagar): Congress candidate Kuber Yadav was seriously injured during a clash at Polling Station 60 in Patakauri LP School, reportedly involving Congress and BJP supporters.

Sribhumi (Rajatilla GP): A violent fight broke out between two groups of independent candidates, leaving five people injured. They were admitted to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. Security was reinforced, and voting continued without further issues.

The second phase of polling will be held on May 7, covering 13 districts: Dhubri, South Salmara Mankachar, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Bajali, Nalbari, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Hojai, Nagaon, Morigaon, and Darrang.