Nearly 73% voter turnout in 5 assembly seats in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 13, 2024

72.83% voter turnout was recorded in Assam’s by-elections across five assembly constituencies, with final figures anticipated after midnight as reports from remote polling stations continue to arrive. According to the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office, voter turnout by 7 pm was as follows: Samaguri at 79.64%, Bongaigaon at 72%, Dholai at 72.4%, Sidli at 71.5%, and Behali at 73.7%.

While voting was generally peaceful in Bongaigaon, Sidli, and Dholai, tensions flared in Samaguri and Behali, where allegations of violence and rigging were raised by both the ruling BJP and opposition candidates. The Congress party, led by APCC President Bhupen Kumar Borah, raised concerns over alleged voter intimidation and manipulation, accusing the BJP of trying to influence the outcome in Behali and Samaguri. Borah demanded an investigation by the Election Commission, specifically calling out BJP MP Ranjit Dutta, whom Congress spokesperson Rhituporna Konwar claimed was seen in a viral video threatening a Congress worker near polling booth No. 79 in Nakunia, Behali.

Further controversy arose when Charaideo District Congress President Utpal Gogoi was detained by police. In response, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and MLA Asif Nazar staged a sit-in at the Jinjia police outpost, demanding his release. Borah also highlighted alleged irregularities at multiple polling stations within Samaguri, such as Bhagamukh Moktab Schools, Puthikhaiti Primary School Centres, and Shalmari Primary School Centres, citing them as potential sites for rigging.

Borah has called on the Election Commission to increase security at sensitive polling stations, deploying additional paramilitary forces and CCTV surveillance to safeguard the election’s integrity. He also urged that CCTV footage be reviewed if necessary to ensure transparency. With 9,09,057 voters across the five constituencies deciding the fate of 34 candidates, results are scheduled to be announced on November 23, and the Election Commission is expected to respond to the allegations to uphold a fair electoral process.