Chirang — Voter enthusiasm marked the Sidli Assembly by-election, as residents lined up early at polling stations, with voting kicking off at 7:00 a.m. across the constituency.
With 273 polling stations prepared to handle the day’s turnout, the election is seeing significant engagement, signaling a high level of public interest in determining Sidli’s future leadership.
Congress candidate Sanjiv Wary was among the early voters, casting his ballot at Runikhata Higher Secondary School. Accompanied by his wife, Wary expressed optimism in a brief address to the media after voting. “I am hopeful that Sidli’s people will place their trust in my leadership. The strong voter turnout today reflects support, and I’m confident in a positive result,” he shared.
In another part of Sidli, Madhab Chandra Cherry, General Secretary and Political Adviser to the BTR Chief of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), arrived at Gurubhasa Higher Secondary School with his family to cast his vote. Cherry voiced confidence in the success of the UPPL candidate, Nirmal Brahma, who is backed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He emphasized the impact of the BTR peace accord on voter sentiment, saying, “The peace accord has brought stability and optimism to our region. The large turnout today shows the public’s support for continued progress.”
Polling stations across the constituency reported steady attendance as the day progressed. The Election Commission had designated 33 polling stations as critical due to their heightened sensitivity, with an extensive security setup to ensure smooth proceedings. Election officials noted that all necessary measures were in place to maintain transparency and order throughout the day.
The constituency’s electorate totals 2,17,183, consisting of 1,07,894 male voters, 1,09,283 female voters, and four voters identifying as third-gender. A team of 1,224 polling officers has been deployed to oversee the election and support voter participation, with officials hopeful for a peaceful and successful by-election.