Assam: Tension erupts in Samaguri after Congress workers allege assault by BJP supporters during voting

A heated altercation took place between BJP and Congress workers at Sholmaari polling station in Samaguri as voting for bye-elections are underway today, November 13.

Allegations have emerged that a group of BJP workers entered the polling booths at stations No. 89 and 90, disrupting the voting process. 

Witnesses have claimed that several Congress workers were physically assaulted during the scuffle, further inflaming the situation.

Election officials and security forces were quickly deployed to the area to restore order.

As the voting process continues, authorities are expected to investigate the claims.  

Bye-elections for five key assembly constituencies in Assam commenced on Wednesday, marking a crucial phase for both ruling and opposition parties. The seats up for grabs include Dholai (SC), Sidli (ST), Bongaigaon, Behali, and Samaguri, left vacant after their representatives secured parliamentary seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

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The electoral battle features 34 candidates, with many making their debut on the political stage. Voting began at 7 AM and is set to conclude at 5 PM across 1,078 polling stations. Over nine lakh registered voters are anticipated to participate, supported by approximately 9,000 polling staff to ensure an orderly and transparent process. 

Authorities have fortified the electoral setup with webcasting at 592 stations, while 11 centers have been marked as model polling booths and 14 staffed entirely by women. Security has been intensified with 15 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, deploying around 1,500 personnel, in coordination with the Assam Police.

The Samaguri constituency has emerged as a focal point where Tanzil Hussain, son of Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain, represents Congress against BJP’s Diplu Ranjan Sarma. In Behali, political attention is riveted on Jayanta Borah, a former BJP member now contesting for Congress, facing off against BJP’s Diganta Ghatowal, with Lakhikanta Kurmi (CPI(ML) Liberation) and Ananta Gogoi (AAP) adding to the fray.