Guwahati: The much-awaited Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections started today. The first phase of voting for BTC Elections began in Udalguri and Baksa district. According to the reports, 31% of voters have cast their votes till 11.30 AM. The fate of 130 candidates in 21 constituencies are to be decided by over 13.59 lakh voters today. 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. 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.
After the pandemic hit the state, this is the first time that the state will have an election. The voting was earlier scheduled to be in April, however, it was cancelled due to the pandemic. BTC was under the Governor’s rule since April. The BTC elections is also seen as a precursor for Assam Assembly elections 2021.
Source: The Sentinel.
