BTC Elections: First phase of voting ended; 70% voting till 5 PM

Guwahati: The first phase of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections ended on Monday evening. According to the reports, 70% of voters have cast their votes till 5 PM in the evening. The voting for the first phase elections started at 7.30 AM on Monday morning.

The voting is taking place for a total of 21 constituencies in Udalguri and Baksa district. The fate of 130 candidates is to be decided by today's voting. There are 11 constituencies in Udalguri district and 10 constituencies in Baksa district.

The voting started in the early morning from 7.30 AM, with tight security and COVID-19 safety measures. The temperature of the voters were checked and their hands were sanitised before they entered the voting premises.

Although the voting process in several constituencies were running smooth, however, the situation turned a little tensed in Bhergaon in Udalguri. Jagdish Sarkar, a candidate of the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) from Mudoibari constituency was barred from entering the Beltoli voting centre, Bhergaon. An argument followed between the BPF leader, his supporters and the security personnel. The leader was later seen leaving the voting centre after he was not allowed to enter.

The prime contenders of the BTC elections are the ruling Bodoland's People Front (BPF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BPF's Chief Hangrama Mohilary has been ruling the council since its inception in 2003. BPF is contesting for 37 seats, while BJP is contesting for 26 seats. BJP is also supporting independent candidates.

The voting for the other 19 constituencies of BTC elections will take place of December 10. The second phase of voting will take place in Kokrajhar and Chirang district. The votes will be counted on December 12.

Senior BJP leader Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma is confident about winning all the seats that the party has contested. While on the other hand, BPF leader Mohilary too has been exuding confidence of sweeping the BTC polls.

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