Guwahati: Assam Minister and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Atul Bora launched a sharp political attack on the Congress party, asserting that it no longer holds any ground in the state. With Panchayat elections on the horizon, Bora expressed full confidence in the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) across Assam, citing the Congress’s diminishing relevance.
“Panchayat elections are near, which are important for us. We will contest these elections as per the NDA. We will win because Congress has no existence here,” Bora told ANI, brushing aside any potential challenge from the opposition. He also took the opportunity to extend his greetings to the people of Assam on the occasion of Rongali Bihu, calling it a festival that represents unity among the people of the state.
AGP Working President and Minister Keshab Mahanta echoed Bora’s confidence, stating that the AGP has formally urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP to jointly contest the Panchayat elections as part of the NDA alliance. “We have requested the Chief Minister and the BJP to contest the Panchayat election together as NDA,” Mahanta said.
The Assam State Election Commission has already declared the schedule for the Panchayat elections, which will be held in two phases — May 2 and May 7. According to State Election Commissioner Alok Kumar, the first phase of polling will cover 14 districts, while the second phase will take place in the remaining 13 districts. Vote counting for both phases is slated for May 11.
Over 1.80 crore voters, including 90.71 lakh males, 89.65 lakh females, and 408 voters from the third gender, are expected to cast their votes across 25,007 polling stations. While political parties will not be allowed to field candidates at the Gaon Panchayat level, party-affiliated candidates can contest at the Anchalik Panchayat and Zilla Parishad levels.
The nomination process was held from April 3 to April 11, followed by scrutiny on April 12. The final date for withdrawal of nominations is April 17. With political stakes high and campaign momentum building, all eyes are now on the NDA’s unified approach and the opposition’s strategy in what is being seen as a crucial grassroots-level electoral battle.
Read More: Mizoram: DRI Seizes Rs 52.67 Crore Worth of Meth Tablets on Outskirts of Aizawl, Two Arrested