Coin toss decides two seats in Assam panchayat election

BJP secured a decisive victory in Assam panchayat elections. However, two candidates, Purabi Rajkhowa and Nalin Lekhathop, secured victories in two wards in Assam's Nagaon and Golaghat districts a flip of a coin, TOI reported.

This was done as per the election regulations after both received an equal number of votes as their closest competitors. The rule about which neither of the candidates or election officials were aware of.

The panchayat elections were conducted through ballot papers and saw several nail-biting clashes, with some candidates winning by a single vote.


Nalin, a contender from ward no-6 of Rangbong gaon panchayat in Golaghat district, faced fierce competition in a constituency with over 500 voters from diverse communities, including Karbi and adivasi groups. There were four candidates contesting for the post of ward member.

"Me and my closest opponent got 130 votes each. The officials present in the counting hall faced a dilemma and consulted senior officials. Few hours later, we were called inside and toss was done with a coin. I was named the winner," Lekhathopi told TOI, on Monday.

Despite the unusual resolution, both Lekhathopi and her opponent Puja Paik accepted the result without dispute.

"I have decided to carry forward works of my ward with the help of my opponent who got equal number of votes. It is only pure luck for which I won," Lekhathopi said.

A similar situation happened at Raha in Nagaon district, where Purabi Rajkhowa contested from ward no-7 of Pramila gaon panchayat. She and her rival, Beauty Bhuyan, both secured 618 votes, prompting another toss.

"It's a great feeling. With blessing of God and public, I emerged as winner through toss," she said.

"Despite all odds, our candidate won — it's a blessing," the supporter said, as celebrations erupted in the village.