Gwahathi: In Assam, voting is on in 16 districts for the first phase pf panchayat polls to elect anchalik panchayat members, Zila Parishad and gaon panchayat members and gaon panchayat presidents amidst tight security. 45 per cent polling has been reported till 1 PM. Polling is by and large polling peaceful. Polling has begun at 7 am and will continue till 3 pm.
Over 92 lakh voters can exercise their voting rights and total 43,515 candidates are in the fray in this phase. 14 thousand 77 polling booths have been set up to conduct the elections smoothly.
The ruling BJP and its ally Asom Gana Parishad are contesting the Panchayat polls independently.
Congress, AIUDF, Left parties, Bodoland Peoples Front, Independent candidates among others are also in the fray. 442 candidates have been declared winners unopposed.
The second phase of polling will be held on 9th of this month. Counting will be held on 12th of December.