Assam and Meghalaya recorded a brisk voter turnout on Wednesday during the by-elections held across six assembly constituencies. Voters in Assam’s Samaguri, Dholai, Sidli, Behali, and Bongaigaon constituencies, along with Meghalaya’s Gambegre seat, exercised their democratic right enthusiastically.
The polling process was largely peaceful, with minor incidents of violence reported from the Samaguri constituency.
Assam and Meghalaya Witness High Voter Turnout
The voter turnout was notably high in both states. According to the election department officials, Assam registered a combined turnout of 72.96% by 5 PM. However, the final tally is expected to increase as many voters were still in queues, waiting to cast their votes. On the other hand, Gambegre in Meghalaya witnessed an impressive turnout of 90.84%, reflecting a strong voter engagement in the region.
The by-elections in these six constituencies were necessitated after their respective sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year. This led to the need for fresh polls to fill the vacant seats, resulting in a competitive and spirited election atmosphere.
Peaceful Polls with Minor Incidents in Samaguri
In Assam, the election department made extensive arrangements across all five constituencies to ensure smooth and uninterrupted polling. Despite a largely peaceful process, Samaguri experienced some minor incidents of violence.
The authorities had anticipated potential unrest in this area due to previous episodes of pre-poll violence. To mitigate any disruptions, special security measures were put in place, including increased deployment of police and paramilitary forces.
Samaguri saw a closely watched contest between Tanzil Hussain of the Indian National Congress (INC) and Diplu Ranjan Sarma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Tanzil Hussain, the son of Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain, sought to continue his father’s political legacy in this constituency.
Rakibul Hussain had held the Samaguri seat since 2001 before he was elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year. The BJP fielded Diplu Ranjan Sarma in a bid to wrestle control from the Congress stronghold, making this a high-stakes battle.
Diverse Contests Across Assam’s Constituencies
A total of 34 candidates contested across the five seats in Assam. Samaguri alone had 11 candidates in the fray, reflecting a highly competitive race. Dholai and Bongaigaon each saw eight candidates, while Behali and Sidli had four and three candidates respectively.
Each of these constituencies presented unique political dynamics. In Bongaigaon, the contest was primarily between the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the BJP, with regional issues such as development and infrastructure taking center stage. Similarly, in Dholai, the race involved candidates from the Congress, BJP, and regional parties, focusing on local concerns like agriculture and unemployment.
Gambegre By-Poll: A Crucial Test for NPP
In Meghalaya, the by-election for the Gambegre constituency was a significant political event as it involved Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, wife of the state’s Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma. She contested under the banner of the National People’s Party (NPP), which leads the state’s ruling coalition.
Her primary opponent was Jingjang Marak of the Indian National Congress, making it a keenly observed contest between the ruling party and the opposition.
The NPP’s campaign in Gambegre emphasized continuing the developmental agenda set by the state government. Mehtab Sangma’s candidacy was seen as a strategic move to consolidate the party’s influence in the region, particularly among rural voters. The Congress, on the other hand, focused on issues such as governance, public welfare, and the need for change, seeking to make inroads in an NPP-dominated area.
Extensive Security Measures Ensured Peaceful Polls
The election commissions in both Assam and Meghalaya undertook extensive preparations to ensure that the by-elections were conducted smoothly. Special security arrangements, including additional police personnel and surveillance teams, were deployed in sensitive areas, especially in Samaguri, which had previously seen clashes between rival political groups.
Polling officials in both states reported a smooth voting process, with electronic voting machines (EVMs) functioning without any significant glitches. Voter enthusiasm was evident across the constituencies, with many elderly and first-time voters turning up early to cast their ballots.
What’s Next: Counting and Results
With polling concluded, all eyes are now on the counting of votes, which is scheduled to take place on November 18. The results will not only decide the fate of the candidates but also serve as an indicator of the political climate in Assam and Meghalaya ahead of the state assembly elections due next year.
The by-polls are particularly significant for the Congress and BJP in Assam, as they could shape the political strategies of both parties in the lead-up to the 2024 General Elections. Similarly, for the NPP in Meghalaya, a win in Gambegre would bolster the party’s position ahead of the state elections.
As the voters await the outcome, political analysts are already speculating on the implications of these by-elections for the future political landscape of both states. The results are expected to be a litmus test for the popularity of the ruling parties in the respective states, potentially setting the stage for upcoming electoral battles.
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