ECI's Assam Delimitation Consultations to Address Stakeholder Concerns

GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has embarked on a three-day tour to the Northeastern state of Assam to hold discussions with stakeholders regarding the delimitation process. The tour, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 19, aims to address concerns and gather feedback on the draft delimitation proposals put forth by the ECI.

During their visit, the ECI team will engage in comprehensive discussions with representatives from various political parties and civil society organizations. These discussions will take place at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, Assam, providing an open platform for stakeholders to voice their suggestions and complaints.

To ensure widespread involvement, the ECI team plans to conduct district-wise consultations with stakeholders across Assam. The objective is to address any apprehensions related to the proposed changes in the boundaries of assembly and parliamentary constituencies within the state. This inclusive approach emphasizes the importance of soliciting input from diverse perspectives and fostering transparency in the delimitation process.

The ECI team's itinerary spans multiple districts, allowing them to gather insights from stakeholders representing different regions. On July 19, the team will initiate consultations with stakeholders from Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri, Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. Subsequently, on July 20, discussions will take place with stakeholders from Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Nagaon, Sonitpur, Morigaon, and Darrang districts. Finally, on July 21, the ECI team will engage in discussions with parties and organizations from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Charaideo, Golaghat, and Majuli.

However, the delimitation exercise in Assam has not been without controversy. Ten opposition leaders from Assam, representing nine different parties, have filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the methodology employed by the ECI. The petition specifically contests the proposed readjustment of boundaries for the 126 assembly and 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam. The opposition leaders allege that the delimitation exercise will unfairly favor the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while detrimentally impacting the electoral prospects of other parties.

The Election Commission of India's visit to Assam for discussions on delimitation proposals with stakeholders underscores the importance of engaging diverse perspectives in the democratic process. By actively involving political parties and civil society organizations, the ECI aims to ensure transparency and address concerns related to the proposed changes in constituencies. The concurrent legal challenge filed by opposition leaders further highlights the contentious nature of the delimitation exercise in Assam.

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