The first phase of the panchayat elections in Assam saw an impressive voter turnout of 70.2 per cent, reflecting robust public participation across 14 districts of the state. Polling was conducted on Friday at 12,916 booths, with 89.59 lakh eligible voters, according to election officials.
Voting commenced at 7:30 am and concluded at 4:30 pm, although voters who entered polling stations before the deadline were allowed to cast their ballots late into the evening, officials confirmed.
While polling remained peaceful in most areas, a few incidents of violence were reported from Cachar district. Majuli led the turnout with 80.02 per cent, while Sonitpur registered the lowest at 61 per cent.
The second phase of polling is scheduled for May 7, with vote counting to take place on May 11.
In a significant early lead, the ruling BJP-led NDA alliance has already secured 325 out of 348 seats in zila parishad and anchalik parishad constituencies that were decided uncontested, as per the State Election Commission.
Panchayat elections are being held in 28 districts, while seven districts are governed by autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and are not part of the current poll process.
