Udalguri: The
situation turned a little tense after Jagdish Sarkar, The Bodoland People's
Front (BPF) candidate from the Mudoibari constituency was barred from entering
the Beltoli voting center of Bhergaon in Udalguri even as voting is going on
for the first phase of elections for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
The incident took place on Monday morning when the BPF
candidate tried to enter the polling center while voting was on.
However, an argument took place between the BPF leader, his supporters, and the security personnel posted at the voting center. The Bodoland People's Front leader was seen leaving the center after he was not allowed to enter the center.
Voting for 21 seats of BTC began on Monday morning from
7.30 abiding all Covid 19 safety measures and tight security in two districts
of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) – Udalguri and Baksa under phase I of BTC polls.
Voter's temperature is being checked and their hands were sanitized before entering the polling center.
The second phase of BTC elections will take place would
be held on December 10 in Kokrajhar and Chirang.
The counting of votes will take place on December
12.
The prime contenders of the BTC elections are the Bodoland People's Front and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BPF's Chief Hagrama Mohilary has been ruling the council since its inception in 2003. BPF is contesting 37 of the total 40 seats, while BJP is contesting 26 seats. BJP is also supporting independent candidates. The key contenders in the polls are Mohilary from BPF and Promod Boro from UPPL. The BTC elections are also being seen as a key indicator ahead of the Assam elections next year.
Also Read: BTC Elections: First phase of voting underway; 31% voting till 11.30 am
Also Watch: CEM Paban Manta files nomination for Tiwa Autonomous Council polls