Overview

• The BJP-led NDA has secured 348 uncontested seats, including 37 Zilla Parishad and 288 Anchalik Panchayat positions, as of the April 18 nomination withdrawal deadline.
• The NDA's uncontested victories are attributed to a formal alliance between BJP and AGP, marking their first statewide collaboration for panchayat elections.
• The opposition Congress alleges intimidation and misuse of power by the ruling coalition to force candidate withdrawals, though these claims remain unverified.
• The two-phase elections, scheduled for May 2 and May 7, will involve 1.8 crore voters across 27 districts, with results expected on May 11.
• Panchayat elections are seen as a key test of grassroots governance and a precursor to the 2026 Assam state elections.