The Assam BJP on Monday has hailed the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the Assembly elections in a single phase in the state on April 9, 2026.
State BJP spokesperson Ranjib Kumar Sarmah stated that this decision of the Election Commission is a significant step towards preventing the malpractice of multiple voting by ‘Miya’ voters.
‘Miya’ is a pejorative term used in Assam, targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, often implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
“Generally, elections are conducted in multiple phases owing to concerns relating to law and order. However, the various measures undertaken by the double-engine government led by the BJP have restored a lasting atmosphere of peace in Assam. By signing historic peace accords with several insurgent and separatist organisations, our government has taken a far-reaching and transformative step in ensuring stability. As a result, the conditions have now been created for conducting polling peacefully in a single day,” Sarmah
Addressing a media conference held at the party’s state headquarters here, the party spokesperson further stated that the Election Commission’s decision would also put an end to the practice of ‘Miya’ voters casting votes at two or three polling stations.
It may be noted that during elections conducted in multiple phases in the past, certain ‘Miya’ voters allegedly took advantage of the staggered polling system to cast votes at two or three polling stations across different constituencies. Sarmah asserted that such opportunities would no longer exist under the present arrangement.
He further said that the BJP would approach the electorate with a firm commitment to sustain this positive momentum that has inspired hope and optimism among the youth and the rural population alike, and to further advance Assam’s social and developmental progress.
