Huge voter turnout in 1st phase of BTC polls on Monday

Dec. 7: The high voltage first phase of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections ended on Monday evening. The voting took place for a total of 21 constituencies in Udalguri and Baksa district in which the fate of 130 candidates will be decided. The voting for the other 19 constituencies of BTC (in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts) elections will take place of December 10. 

It needs mention here that there are 11 constituencies in Udalguri district and 10 constituencies in Baksa district. Udalguri recorded turnout of 75% voters, whereas Baksa registered 78% voters’ turnout. No such untoward incidents were reported during the 1st phase of the polls. 

The contest is primarily between the ruling Bodoland’s People Front (BPF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BPF’s Chief Hangrama Mohilary has been given a real challenge by the BJP. Himanta Biswa Sarma has thrown his entire weight in campaigning in BTC areas since a fortnight. The outcome of the high voltage BTC polls could be known on 12 December as the counting of votes will take place on that day.