Assam's Infrastructure and Security Gains Enable Single-Phase Assembly Elections
State Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel and Nodal Security Officer for the polls, IGP (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, announced on Monday that significant improvements in Assam's infrastructure and law and order situation have made it possible to hold the upcoming assembly elections in a single phase. The officials highlighted how enhanced road connectivity and streamlined administrative structures have bolstered confidence in conducting the polls efficiently.
Infrastructure Upgrades Reduce Travel Time and Distance
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, CEO Anurag Goel emphasized the role of improved infrastructure in this decision. "Improved infrastructure, availability of more buildings and bridges has led to the confidence of holding the elections in the state in a single phase," he stated. Goel provided specific examples of travel time reductions that illustrate the progress:
- The journey from Tinsukia to Sadiya, which once took nearly eight hours, now requires just about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Travel between Biswanath and Gohpur has seen a significant decrease from around two-and-a-half hours.
He attributed these improvements to better roads, new buildings, and upgraded bridges, which have collectively minimized travel time and distance. Additionally, the administrative framework has been streamlined, with district-level District Electoral Officers (DEOs) replacing the previous subdivision-based system, further enhancing organizational efficiency.
Enhanced Law and Order Boosts Confidence
IGP Akhilesh Kumar Singh pointed to the improved law and order situation as a key factor behind the single-phase polling decision. "Improved law and order in the state over the years is one key point behind the decision to hold the elections in a single phase," he explained. Singh noted that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which was previously enforced in a large part of the state, is now limited to only three districts, contributing to a safer environment for elections.
Singh acknowledged the logistical challenges of single-phase polling, stating, "Single-phase polling requires a lot of preparations and logistics, and maybe we are better equipped now compared to earlier." He assured that both civil and police administrations are fully prepared, despite the strenuous efforts required, emphasizing their readiness to work extra to ensure smooth conduct.
Logistical Improvements and Polling Station Details
The state has a total of 31,486 polling stations across 126 assembly constituencies, with Mankachar constituency having the highest number at 402 and Dotma the lowest at 146. CEO Goel highlighted a significant reduction in remotely located polling stations, known as P-2 booths, where personnel must depart two days early due to non-motorable and inaccessible routes.
- Assam previously had over 1,000 such booths, but improved connectivity has reduced this number to fewer than 300.
- This decrease has substantially eased logistical challenges, as polling officials no longer need to begin journeys two days in advance in most areas.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in a press conference on Sunday, mentioned the Dhanekhana polling station on Majuli island as an example of remaining challenging locations, where personnel must travel 50-60 km via ferry and road. However, overall, the advancements in infrastructure and security have positioned Assam to conduct its assembly elections more efficiently than in previous years.
