From Preetam Brahma Choudhury
Kokrajhar: Over 75% voters in 21 constituencies under Udalguri and Baksa cast their vote in the first phase of the two-phase Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections today which went off peacefully with no report of any violence or untowards incidents.
Voters — old, young, men and women — came out in large numbers to cast their vote since morning with the hope of securing good governance, peace, all round development and proper implementation of the BTR accord.
“The polling went off in a peaceful manner. There was a huge turnout of voters early since in the morning. We are estimating over 80 percent polling, said Baksa deputy Commissioner Ranjan Sarma.
Udalguri saw a turnout of 75.4 per cent. “There was no report of any violence. Polling went off peacefully as voters turned out in large numbers, Prakash Ranjan Gharphalia, the Deputy Commissioner of Udalguri told reporters.
The Assam State Election Commission informed that the tentative voter turnout in the first phase BTC polls up to closing time was recorded at 75.21 percent.
The high-stake 1st phase polls held today amidst thick security decide the fate of 60 candidates in 10 constituencies under Udalguri district where total 6, 22,408 voters exercise their franchise in 807 polling stations. A total of 7, 42,799 voters exercised their franchise in 810 polling stations of 11 BTC constituencies in Baksa district.
The second phase of polling in 19 seats under Kokrajhar and Chirang district will take place on December 10. Counting will be held on December 12.
Altogether 241 candidates are in the poll fray across 40 constituencies where a total of 23, 82,036 voters, including 11, 79,020 women and 8(eight) ‘Third Gender’, will exercise their franchise in the two phases of the polls.
The UPPL is contesting in all 40 seats, the BPF which is ruling the BTC since 2005 is contesting in 37 seats, BJP in 26 seats, Congress -13, GSP -35 while the AIUDF has fielded candidates in 7 constituencies.
