Guwahati: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that nearly 60% of the candidates contesting in Assam’s upcoming Panchayat elections are women.
He also highlighted that a significant proportion of the candidates are under 40 years old.
Sharing the update on social media, the chief minister stated, “Nominations for #AssamPanchayatPolls concluded yesterday. 59% of our candidates are women. A large number are also under 40 and many have already won uncontested. The NDA is heading for a landslide victory.”
The Panchayat elections, delayed since December last year, faced legal hurdles after a court barred the state from notifying the polls.
The government had sought permission from the Gauhati High Court, emphasising the importance of proceeding despite ongoing cases. The court eventually granted approval in January.
However, logistical challenges, including upcoming board examinations for Classes 10 and 12, postponed the polls further.
Sarma noted that conducting elections during the examination period would disrupt students in rural areas and complicate arrangements for counting centres.
The delay stems from petitions citing errors in constituency redetermination.
The High Court’s intervention underscored the need for accuracy in the electoral process.
For Assam’s rural population, where Panchayats play a pivotal role in governance and development, the postponement has significant implications for local self-governance and community development initiatives.
