BJP confident, Cong alleges rigging in Barak
Silchar: As the first phase of the panchayat elections in Barak Valley concludes, political parties find themselves locked in a battle of narratives over the anticipated results.
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The ruling BJP has expressed unwavering confidence in its performance, while the Congress has alleged widespread electoral malpractice.
State minister Kaushik Rai projected a strong showing for the BJP in Cachar district, predicting the party would secure more than 20 zila parishad seats. "The mood among voters is clearly in favour of the BJP," Rai said. "The people want a strong panchayati raj system, and their faith in our leadership — both in Dispur and Delhi — is evident."
Rai emphasised that the BJP has already won two zila parishad and 35 anchalik panchayat seats in Cachar and anticipates a one-sided victory in the final tally. Confident in BJP's prospects across the region, he predicted absolute majorities in the second phase of polling scheduled for May 7.
Former BJP district president of Sribhumi, Subrata Bhattacharjee, echoed this optimism, claiming the party is poised for a decisive win in Sribhumi district.
He said the BJP would dominate the 16 zila parishad seats, forming the Sribhumi zilla parishad in alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).
"The BJP's presence was overwhelming. People voted spontaneously for development, leaving the Congress and AIUDF irrelevant," he said, expressing gratitude to voters and anticipating success in regional panchayat seats as well.
State minister Krishnendu Paul reinforced the BJP's confidence, citing uncontested wins in two zila parishad seats in Patharkandi, where Congress failed to field candidates.
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Paul predicted that the BJP-AGP coalition would form the council and spearhead extensive development across Hailakandi and Cachar.
The Congress, however, painted a starkly different picture. Sribhumi district Congress committee president Rajat Chakrabarty accused the BJP of manipulating the election process.
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