Assam - The Purbottar

25 Mar

Assam Election Scrutiny Clears 776 Candidates, Two Seats Still Under Review

riya EditorAssam

The scrutiny process for nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam has validated 776 candidates as of March 24, with the scrutiny for two constituencies—Barpeta (SC) and Dhekiajuli—having been adjourned to March 25, according to an official statement. A total of 124 constituencies has completed the scrutiny, leaving only the two constituencies awaiting final clearance. Altogether, 815 candidates submitted 1,389 nomination papers ahead of the election scheduled for April 9. The last date for candidates to withdraw their nominations is March 26, before 3 PM, as outlined by the Election Commission of India. Among the candidate's still awaiting…

25 Mar

Kuki SoO Factions Lay Down Arms After Breakthrough Agreement in Assam

riya EditorAssam

In a significant advancement towards sustainable peace in Assam, Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), United Kuki Defence Army (UKDA), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA/KLO), have announced the dissolution of their armed organizations following the signing of a Memorandum of Settlement with the Central and state governments on March 15. This agreement, effective March 23, has marked a notable transition from armed conflict to a phase of cooperation and reconciliation, which the groups described as a “historic milestone.” The disbanded organizations have instructed their members to vacate designated camps and reintegrate into civilian life…

25 Mar

High Participation, Low Representation: Women Leaders Struggle in Assam Politics

riya EditorAssam

Assam's political landscape reveals a significant contrast between high voter turnout among women and the precarious political status of women leaders. With over 1.24 crore women voters constituting nearly half of the electorate, women achieved impressive turnout rates of 82.42% in the 2021 Assembly elections and 84.72% in 2016. However, women politicians face systemic exclusion and instability, exemplified by incidents like Nandita Gorlosa, who shifted from the Bharatiya Janata Party to the Indian National Congress after being dropped from the ticket list. Similarly, the Bodoland People's Front replaced veteran leader Pramila Rani Brahma, despite her desire to contest her final…

25 Mar

Government Informs Lok Sabha: No Central Record of Hate Crimes Against Northeast People

riya EditorAssam

The Central government informed the Lok Sabha that it does not maintain centralized data on hate speech, racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination against individuals from the Northeast. In response to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated that matters of "police" and "public order" are under the jurisdiction of state governments, which are tasked with the prevention, detection, registration, investigation of crimes, and prosecution of offenders. While the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles crime statistics from states and Union Territories in its annual reports, it does not track incidents of discrimination against Northeastern individuals…

25 Mar

Ponzi Crackdown: ED Attaches ₹13.41 Crore Assets Linked to DB Stock Consultancy

riya EditorAssam

In a significant move against financial fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets totaling ₹13.41 crore linked to a money laundering investigation involving DB Stock Consultancy and its owner, Deepankar Barman. This action is part of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, which has unveiled a large-scale alleged Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of investors nationwide. The inquiry originated from an FIR filed at Paltan Bazar Police Station in August 2024 and was subsequently taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), indicating the case's severity. The ED’s investigation revealed that DB…

24 Mar

Congress Candidate’s Nomination Rejected in Jalukbari Constituency

Paromita EditorAssam

The nomination of a Congress candidate from the crucial Jalukbari Assembly constituency, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is contesting, was rejected during scrutiny on March 24, according to the Election Commission of India. As per official data, the nomination of Congress nominee Bidisha Neog from Jalukbari was among three Congress nominations rejected. The other rejected candidates include Ananda Narah from Dhakuakhana and Nirmal Langthasa from Haflong. So far, a total of 18 nomination papers have been rejected during the scrutiny process, which is still underway. In contrast, the nomination of Nandita Garlosa from Haflong has been accepted after she…

24 Mar

Assam intensifies fight against TB with launch of new campaign

Paromita EditorAssam

Commemorating World Tuberculosis Day 2026, Assamofficially launched the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Campaign today during an event at the CN Centre, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).The initiative marks a critical acceleration in the mission to eliminate Tuberculosis through strategic action and community-ledparticipation.The event served as a platform to disseminate a comprehensive 100-day Action Plan, designed to intensify case detection, enhance treatment adherence, and broaden the reach of nutritional support across the state.In a move to foster social mobilization, the ceremony also saw the felicitation ofTB Champions—survivors who are now leading advocacy efforts—and Ni-kshay Mitras, the donors…

24 Mar

SVEEP Initiative Rolled Out in Assam to Encourage Informed Voting

riya EditorAssam

In the lead-up to the Assam Assembly elections, the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme has launched various initiatives aimed at increasing voter awareness and turnout. These initiatives include a diverse range of activities such as street plays, drawing and rangoli competitions, slogan writing, digital poster making, wall writing, news presentations, and workshops. The Chief Electoral Officer of Assam stated that these activities are organized systematically across all districts to enhance awareness of citizens' democratic rights and responsibilities. To engage voters, districts have introduced various mascots, such as ‘Bakhar’ in Lakhimpur and ‘Ganabandhu’ in Sonitpur, while notable figures,…

24 Mar

Multi-Cornered Battles Set Across Six Seats in Key Upper Assam District

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The nomination process for the Assam Assembly elections ended with a rush of activity in Tinsukia district, as 27 candidates filed their papers on the final day, March 23. With this, the stage is now set for a tough and multi-cornered contest across six Assembly constituencies in the district, which is considered politically important in Upper Assam. Officials said candidates from all major political parties took part in the process. These include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Raijor Dal. A number of independent candidates also…

24 Mar

Assam Grants Paid Leave to Ensure Maximum Voting Participation

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam government has announced a paid holiday across the state on April 9, 2026, to allow people to take part in the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections. The move is aimed at ensuring that all eligible voters get enough time and opportunity to cast their votes without any work-related pressure. The announcement was made through an official notification issued by the Labour Welfare Department. As per the order, the paid holiday will be applicable to a wide range of establishments, including factories, tea plantations, shops, commercial establishments, entertainment venues, contractor-run workplaces, firms, industries, as well as financial and banking…