GUWAHATI, Sept 22: The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, conducted amidst tight security across 40 constituencies in five districts, recorded a polling percentage of over 72 percent at 4.30 pm on Monday.
Polling remained by and large peaceful throughout the day across the 3,359 polling stations from 7.30am to 4.30pm.
According to data provided by the State Election Commission, Assam, the approximate voter turnout till 4:30 pm in Kokrajhar district was recorded at 77.29 percent; Chirang 76.69 percent; Baksa 66.87 percent, Tamulpur 69.14 percent while Udalguri recorded a voter turnout of 68.32 percent.
As many as 316 candidates are in the fray in the BTC polls, which is primarily witnessing a triangular contest between UPPL, which is looking to retain power, BJP and BPF.
The counting of votes will take place on September 26.
Speaking to mediapersons after casting his vote, UPPL president Pramod Boro said the party’s focus in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) would be to empower women, secure land rights, unite communities, strengthen education, and ensure peace.
“The people of BTR have seen the transformation brought about by the past five years of peace, and are coming out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote. I’m confident that the people will vote to continue this journey of peace, unity and progress,” Boro said.
Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary, who cast his vote at the Debargaon Higher Secondary School polling station in Kokrajhar district, said he was confident his party would secure a clear majority and return to power BTR.
Notably, BPF has had a 17-year-old presence in the council, having ruled BTC from 2003 to 2020.
While the BJP, which is contesting 30 seats, remains optimistic about emerging as the single largest party in the BTC elections this time, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had recently indicated that a coalition government could be in the offing in BTR.
Sarma said that both BPF and UPPL are part of the NDA, and hence the BJP would move ahead by taking both the regional parties together.
BJP is contesting seven seats in Udalguri, five each in Tamulpur and Baksa, four in Chirang, and nine seats in Kokrajhar district.
Meanwhile, the BJP, Assam Pradesh, thanked the people of BTR for coming out to vote in large numbers.
“While the state is mourning the untimely demise of our legendary cultural icon Zubeen Garg, even amidst this collective grief, the people of BTR rose to the occasion, stepping out in large numbers to cast their votes peacefully, demonstrating that their respect for democracy is as deep as their reverence for the legendary singer,” the party said in a statement.
“The party firmly believes that the awareness and commitment to democratic values shown by the people of BTR will inspire the citizens of Assam at large,” it stated.
IANS
