• Lok Sabha polls: Dry Day in Assam on April 26 ahead of second phase

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    Lok Sabha polls: Dry Day in Assam on April 26 ahead of second phase

    This election holds particular significance as it is the first to take place in Assam following a recent delimitation exercise...

    Digital Desk: As the Lok Sabha general elections in Assam progress, the State Election Commission has implemented a ban on the sale of alcohol in constituencies where polling is scheduled for April 26. The affected areas include Darrang-Udalguri, Diphu, Karimganj, Silchar, and Nagaon Lok Sabha seats.

    The prohibition on alcohol sales will come into effect from 5 pm on April 24 and will remain in place until the conclusion of polling on April 26. Additionally, a dry day has been declared on June 4, coinciding with the counting of votes, marking the culmination of the electoral process.

    This election holds particular significance as it is the first to take place in Assam following a recent delimitation exercise, resulting in significant changes to electoral boundaries. The BJP, with ambitions to strengthen its position, has set a target of winning 12 out of the 14 Lok Sabha seats, an increase from the nine secured in 2019.

    The second phase of polling sees key contenders vying for victory. In Nagaon, Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi faces competition from BJP's Suresh Bora and AIUDF’s Aminul Islam. Similarly, in Darrang-Udalguri, BJP's Dilip Saikia competes against Congress' Madhab Rajbongshi. Other notable matchups include BJP's Kripanath Mallah against Congress' Hafez Ahmed Choudhury and AIUDF's Sahabul Islam Choudhury in Karimganj.

    Silchar (SC) witnesses an intense battle between Assam Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya of BJP and Congress youth leader Surjya Kanta Sarkar.

    The first phase of polls in Assam recorded a robust voter turnout of 75.95%, setting the stage for an equally dynamic electoral process in the subsequent phases.