Assam: The opposition Congress in Assam has urged the Election Commission (EC) to install CCTV cameras and deploy central paramilitary forces in sensitive polling booths to ensure free and fair by-elections in the state. The by-polls will take place on November 13 for the Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, Samaguri, and Behali assembly constituencies.
In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Congress expressed concerns over alleged threats and intimidation tactics by the ruling BJP, which they claim have created a climate of fear among voters. The party highlighted the potential for booth capturing and rigging in what they described as “sensitive” polling areas, where incidents of vandalism and threats have been reported.
The letter, signed by Congress state chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and party’s special observer Vikas Upadhyay, also pointed to previous reports of poll-related violence and the lack of action by local police and civil administration. The Congress raised alarm over the state government’s recent transfer of five police officials from Nagaon district, accusing the move of being illegal and aimed at undermining the electoral process.
Congress demanded that the EC install adequate CCTV cameras and deploy paramilitary forces at sensitive booths. The party also requested that voters, polling agents, and election officials be prohibited from carrying mobile phones inside polling booths to prevent interference. Additionally, Congress called for the reinstatement of the transferred police officers, claiming the moves violated election laws.
The Congress is contesting all five seats in the by-election, while the ruling BJP has fielded candidates in three constituencies, with its allies AGP and UPPL contesting in one seat each. Of the five constituencies, four are held by the ruling coalition and one by Congress.