Clashes break out at Samaguri polling stations amid by-election voting

In Assam’s Samaguri constituency, tensions escalated today as Congress workers accused BJP supporters of disrupting the voting process and assaulting party members at Sholmaari polling station during the ongoing bye-elections. The incident reportedly occurred at polling booths No. 89 and 90, where witnesses claim BJP workers entered and interfered with voting, triggering a heated confrontation. Local sources report that several Congress workers sustained minor injuries in the scuffle, sparking concern among voters and party representatives. Swiftly responding to the unrest, election officials, supported by security forces, moved to the site to defuse the situation and restore calm.

The bye-elections, which commenced this morning, cover five key constituencies across Assam: Dholai (SC), Sidli (ST), Bongaigaon, Behali, and Samaguri. These seats became vacant after their representatives won parliamentary positions in recent Lok Sabha elections, drawing heightened interest from both ruling and opposition camps.

With over nine lakh voters expected to participate, the polls are taking place across 1,078 stations, each fortified with significant security, including 15 companies from the Central Armed Police Forces. Enhanced vigilance is evident as authorities employ webcasting in 592 polling stations, alongside model booths and centers staffed entirely by women.