Assam: Congress' Udalguri candidate quits ahead of Thursday polls

Guwahati: In a dramatic development just a day ahead of the assembly polls, the Congress candidate from Udalguri, Suren Daimari, has withdrawn from the electoral fray and resigned from the party. Around 2,50,54,463 electors will decide the fate of 722 candidates in 126 assembly constituencies in the single phase-poll on Thursday.

Daimari was in the fray against United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) candidate Dipen Boro and Bodoland People's Front's (BPF) Rihon Daimary.

Daimari said Congress has done nothing for tribals. "Congress party is a traitor. I have resigned from the party and withdrawn my candidature as I feel the Congress has deceived me. After giving me the ticket, there was no communication or support from the leadership. My calls went unanswered, which compelled me to take this decision. I wanted to strengthen the Congress in Udalguri, but there was no support from the party. It appears their focus is limited, and they are not working for all communities, including ST groups," he claimed.


Recently, during scrutiny, the nomination of Congress candidate Mahananda Sarkar from Barpeta was cancelled due to procedural lapses during the filing process.

The Election Commission (EC) has stated that it is fully geared up to conduct the polling in a free, fair and peaceful manner. It has deployed Central Observers to ensure strict monitoring of law and order and election expenditure. Webcasting facilities have been arranged in all 31,490 polling stations, including 31,486 main polling stations and four auxiliary ones. This will allow real-time monitoring of polling processes from the offices of the District Election Officers, the Chief Electoral Officer, and the Election Commission of India.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including CRPF personnel, have been deployed to ensure security at the polling stations. A total of 1,51,132 polling personnel has been deployed. Micro observers have been deputed in sensitive polling stations.

For polling, 41,320 Ballot Units, 43,975 Control Units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines have been arranged, including reserves for emergency use.

Of the total 2,50,54,463 electors, 1,25,31,552 are male, 1,25,22,593 female, and 318 voters are transgenders. There are also 63,423 service voters. Among the electorate, 6,42,314 voters are in the age group of 18-19 while 2,50,006 are above 80 years, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities.

Till date, 26,032 senior citizens and 8,373 persons with disabilities have exercised their voting rights through postal ballots from home.