COVID-19: Uncertainty looms large over BTAD elections  

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Uncertainty looms large over holding of the ensCOVID-19uing elections in 40 constituencies under BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Area District) on April 4 following various pre-emptive measures adopted by the State Government against spread of the novel coronavirus disease.

While the State Government has already asked the Deputy Commissioners to postpone all public meetings and minimize mass gatherings in their respective districts, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has cancelled all his public meetings till March 31.

“Under such circumstances the political parties and candidates contesting the BTAD elections are in a fix as how to carry out their campaigns. Some parties and candidates have already planned to meet State Election Commissioner, Assam, Alok Kumar to postpone the elections at least by a month,” a source said.

When asked about the fate of the BTAD elections in view of the precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 during a press conference here on Sunday afternoon, State Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna said the matter would be discussed in due course of time.

While the elections will be held from 8 am to 4 pm on April 4 (Saturday), 2020, the counting of votes will be from 8 am till the completion of counting on April 8 (Wednesday).

According to the schedule, the last date for filing of nominations will be from 11 am to 3 pm on March 18; and the scrutiny of the nominations will take place on March 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidature will be March 21 (up to 3 pm). The list of contesting candidates will be published after 3 pm on March 21.

The date of repoll, if any, is on April 6 (from 8 am to 4 pm).

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