Guwahati, March 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party has welcomed the Election Commission of India’s decision to conduct the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam in a single phase, while the opposition Indian National Congress has raised questions over the timing and structure of the poll schedule.
Speaking in Guwahati on March 16, BJP spokesperson Kishor Kumar Bhattacharya said the party was satisfied with the announcement, noting that it aligns with public sentiment in the state. He said there had been a widespread demand to hold elections before the Bihu festival so that people could participate in both the democratic process and traditional celebrations without disruption.
Bhattacharya also expressed concerns over multi-phase elections, claiming that staggered polling in the past had allowed instances where “doubtful voters” could cast ballots in more than one location. He said conducting elections in a single phase would help curb such practices and ensure a smoother process.
Political observers note that single-phase polling could intensify campaign efforts, as parties will need to mobilise resources simultaneously across all constituencies.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders criticised the election schedule, alleging that it appears to favour the ruling BJP. Senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the manner in which the polling dates and phases have been structured suggests that the decision may have been influenced by the ruling party’s convenience.
Echoing similar concerns, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed surprise over the early polling date in Kerala, stating that the April 9 schedule had caught many off guard and left limited time for preparation.
The Election Commission announced that Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. Polling in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes for all the states is scheduled for May 4.
