Assam Panchayat Elections 2018 : BJP gets majority in 14 Zila Parishad, PM Modi hails 'wonderful performance'

The elections were held on December 5 and 9 to elect 21,990 GPM, 2,199 GPP, 2,199 APM and 420 ZPM across the state, recording an overall voting of 82%. While there were 78,571 contestants, 734 were elected uncontested. 

The first phase of Panchayat elections was held in 16 administrative districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dibrugrah, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat, Nagaon, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Darrang, Morigaon, Kamrup Metro and Kamrup, while the second phase was in 10 districts of Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj and Hojai.

(Photo: PTI)

Campaigning for the panchayat elections, touted as the fore-runner of the 2019 general elections, had witnessed unprecedented high octave war of words between the ruling alliance partners BJP and regional party AGP hurling accusations and counter accusations to downplay each other.

This year's campaigning also witnessed the use of helicopters by BJP ministers as they conducted whirlwind meetings to solicit for votes and addressed public meetings.

(Photo: PTI)

Sarbananda Sonowal has been Assam CM for over two years. The panchayat polls were a big test for him to show that his government has managed to retain the popularity which catapulted them to power in 2016. Assam for a long time has been a Congress fiefdom so extending BJP's dominance in the Panchayat level is a definite boost for the party's health in the time to come. 

The BJP hasn't done as well as it would have hoped but it has won the majority of the Zilla Parishads. Close to 50% in ZP President and Anchalik Panchayat Members have been selected from BJP ticket.

Congress was badly dented in the last Assembly polls. So in this panchayat election, the challenge in front of the party was to maintain its presence in this key battleground state in North East. It has managed to do so, by virtually making the contest a two battle race. Congress has gained majority in six zilla parishads and have got significant number of candidates elected as gaon panchayat member, which augurs well for their base.

(Photo: PTI)

AIUDF President and Lok Sabha MP from Dhubri, Badruddin Ajmal and his son Jamunamukh MLA Abdur Rahim show their fingers marked with indelible ink after casting their votes during the 2nd phase of the panchayat elections, in Hojai, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018.

Many Muslim voters have shifted from AIUDUF to Congress in this panchayat polls, something that would keep Ajmal worried. 

(PTI Photo)

AGP is a NDA ally, but has been vocal about BJP's support to Citizenship Amendment Bill. They have even threatened to sever ties with NDA if the government moves ahead with its plans. 

But their bargaining power may get limited with a poor performance in the Panchayat polls. AGP has been relegated to the fourth spot a long cry from its glory days. It can control Bongaigaon Zilla Parishad with BJP support. Similarly, it can support BJP to get control of two more Zilla Parishads. 

(Photo: AFP)

Latest update:

Gram Panchayat members: Trends/Wins available for 17,677 out of 21,998 seats

BJP: 7540

Congress: 5896

AGP: 1372

AIUDF: 755

CPI(M): 27 

Independents: 2028 

Gram Panchayat President: Trends/Wins available for 1881 out of 2199 seats

BJP: 867

Congress: 645

AGP: 110

AIUDF: 106

Independents: 150

Anchalik Panchayat Member: Trends/Wins available for 1860 out of 2199 seats

BJP: 883

Congress: 645

AGP: 96

AIUDF: 111

Independents: 125

Zila Parishad Member: Trends/Wins available for 347 out of 420 seats

BJP: 181

Congress: 122

AGP: 15

AIUDF: 15

Independents: 14

(Source ANI)

(Photo: PTI)