Is Assam Ready for the Panchayat Elections with CM Sarma at the Helm?

Synopsis
As Assam approaches its Panchayat elections, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma leads the charge, highlighting the ruling party's strong position. While the NDA boasts significant unopposed wins, opposition allegations of intimidation emerge. Explore the dynamics of Assam's political landscape as the elections loom.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Sarma is actively campaigning for the BJP in Assam.
- The NDA has secured a considerable number of seats unopposed.
- Allegations of violence against opposition candidates have emerged.
- The elections are set for May 2 and May 7.
- This election is crucial for gauging public sentiment before next year's Assembly elections.
Guwahati, April 27 (NationPress) Assam is preparing for the upcoming Panchayat elections scheduled for next month, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spearheading the campaign for his party. CM Sarma is slated to campaign for the candidates in Tingkhang in Dibrugarh this Sunday. He shared on X, "I will be in Tingkhang, Dibrugarh today to speak to the citizens ahead of the #AssamPanchayatPolls2025. Join me at 2:30 PM."
On Saturday, the Chief Minister visited Barak Valley, participating in at least three public meetings.
He expressed that these Panchayat elections will provide insight into the public sentiment before the Assembly elections next year.
He confidently stated that the opposition is unlikely to present a formidable challenge to the ruling party in these elections.
Earlier, the CM revealed that the BJP-led NDA in the state has successfully secured approximately 325 seats unopposed for the forthcoming Panchayat elections.
CM Sarma noted, "As per the latest reports, the NDA has claimed 37 Zila Parishad seats (35 from BJP and 2 from AGP) and 288 Anchalik Panchayat seats (259 from BJP and 29 from AGP) without opposition."
He emphasized that this marks a significant and unprecedented mandate in Assam's political landscape, showcasing the immense trust and affection the people of Assam have for the NDA and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He added, "We are assured that once the final results are announced, this tally will only get more impressive. The NDA is poised to dominate the Panchayat elections in Assam. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Assam and profound appreciation to our dedicated karyakartas for their relentless efforts and commitment."
On the other hand, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused BJP's "goons" of committing acts of violence against opposition candidates as the elections approach.
Gogoi remarked, "The state administration shows bias towards the BJP, and no actions have been taken against the ruling party's goons. Our state Congress president Bhupen Borah and MP Pradyut Bordoloi have raised this concern with the police; yet, no action has been initiated against the BJP's goons."
He asserted that Congress members will not be intimidated and are prepared to confront the BJP in the elections. "We have a long-standing history of challenging the ruling party, and our members are determined not to succumb to the intimidation tactics of the BJP," Gogoi stated.
The Panchayat elections in Assam are scheduled to take place in two phases on May 2 and May 7.