Assam Assembly Elections Marred by Violence and Tragic Death
Guwahati: The single-phase assembly elections in Assam on Thursday were overshadowed by a series of violent incidents across multiple constituencies, resulting in approximately 30 people injured and seven arrests. In a tragic turn of events, a polling official passed away before voting commenced in the Naduar constituency of Sonitpur district. Despite these disruptions, polling across all 126 constituencies proceeded largely without major hindrance, with authorities working to maintain order.
Major Clashes in Patharkandi and Khowang Constituencies
In the Patharkandi constituency of Sribhumi district, a significant altercation erupted when Congress candidate Kartik Sena Sinha allegedly entered the Rangamati polling booth and confronted the presiding officer. Sinha accused the officer of permitting fake electors to cast votes, which quickly escalated into a clash between Congress and BJP supporters. Police reported that about 25 individuals sustained injuries, with two in serious condition. Voting was suspended for nearly three hours as officials replaced a damaged Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Sribhumi SSP Leena Doley visited the site to assess the situation. Officials confirmed that Sinha departed the booth, and while no arrests have been made yet, investigations are ongoing.
Separately, in the Khowang constituency of Dibrugarh district, three leaders of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) were injured in a confrontation with BJP supporters. AJP president Lurin Jyoti Gogoi stated, "Three of our leaders — Samudra Barua, Swakhyar Borgohain and Chitrakamal Handique — have been injured by the frustrated BJP members." No arrests have been made in this incident so far, adding to the tension surrounding the electoral process.
Pre-Poll Violence and Minor Scuffles
Prior to the polling day, incidents of violence were reported in Tamulpur and Sivasagar districts on Wednesday night. In Sibsagar, two members of the Raijor Dal were attacked, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Raijor Dal MLA and sitting legislator Akhil Gogoi, who is seeking re-election, alleged BJP involvement, claiming two people were injured and vehicles damaged.
In the Bodoland area of Tamulpur, three UPPL workers were reportedly injured in a late-night confrontation with BJP supporters. Police responded promptly, firing rounds in the air to disperse the crowd and arresting four people. These pre-poll incidents set a volatile tone for election day.
Across various districts, minor scuffles were reported at several polling booths, often triggered by heavy voter turnout and disputes over queue-breaking. In places like Merapani and Raha, clashes between rival party supporters occurred, but police intervention ensured quick resolution. Districts such as Sribhumi, Golaghat, and Nagaon also witnessed similar minor altercations, largely centered around queue management issues.
Tragic Death of Polling Official and Social Media Violation
Amid the violence, tragedy struck in Sonitpur district when polling officer Deben Horo, 45, was found unconscious in his bed early Thursday morning. He was rushed to a hospital but declared dead on arrival. Doctors suspect an underlying medical condition may have been the cause. Horo, an assistant teacher from Dopdopi Kachari Gaon in Chariduar, had been deputed at Dolapani LP School in Naduar constituency. Officials assured that polling began on schedule at 7 am, with reserve staff stepping in to ensure the process remained unaffected.
In Karbi Anglong district, the administration lodged a police complaint after a video allegedly showing the voting process inside a Diphu polling station circulated on social media. Since mobile phones are banned inside booths, an FIR was filed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Authorities have initiated an inquiry to identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action for violating election laws. An official stated, "An incident has come to the notice of the administration regarding circulation of a video showing the election process inside a polling station."
Overall Polling Conduct and Security Measures
Despite the scattered incidents, election officials emphasized that polling across Assam continued largely unhindered, with security forces deployed to manage hotspots. The Election Commission's arrangements, including strict protocols against mobile phone use in booths and provisions for voter deposits, were generally upheld. However, the day's events highlight the challenges in maintaining peace during high-stakes electoral processes, with political tensions occasionally boiling over into physical confrontations.
As investigations into the clashes and violations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent counting process. The incidents serve as a reminder of the need for robust security measures and voter education to prevent future disruptions in democratic exercises.
