Overview

• The first phase of the Assam Panchayat elections on May 2 recorded an overall voter turnout of approximately 56%, with polling conducted across 14 districts.
• Sporadic incidents of violence disrupted the process in areas like Cachar and Sribhumi, including a ballot box being thrown into a pond, leading to the cancellation of polling at one center.
• The BJP-led NDA secured 37 Zila Parishad and 288 Anchalik Panchayat seats unopposed prior to polling, highlighting its organizational strength in rural Assam.
• Security arrangements included extensive deployment of personnel at polling stations, with additional forces mobilized at sensitive locations to ensure order.
• The focus now shifts to the second phase of polling scheduled for May 7, with vote counting set for May 11.