Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: The Dibrugarh district administration has completed preparations for the counting of votes across six Assembly constituencies on Monday, with elaborate security and logistical arrangements put in place at the designated counting centre at Dibrugarh Polytechnic in Lahowal.
Votes will be counted for the Dibrugarh, Chabua-Lahowal, Duliajan, Tingkhong, Naharkatia and Khowang Assembly constituencies.
Counting of postal ballots will begin at 8 AM, followed by EVM counting from 8:30 AM.
“We have made comprehensive arrangements at the counting centre. Adequate staff has been deployed, security is in place, and all logistical requirements have been met to ensure the process is conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. I urge all candidates and their supporters to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration through the day,” Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Bikram Kairi said.
The counting assumes political significance in the district with several high-profile candidates in the fray. State Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, a four-time BJP MLA from Dibrugarh, is seeking a fifth consecutive term from the constituency.
In Tingkhong, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah is aiming for a third straight victory, while Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), is contesting from the newly created Khowang constituency in a bid to secure his first electoral win.
The district administration has imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, with effect from 5 AM on May 4 until the completion of the counting process.
Under the restrictions, gatherings and vehicle parking within a 100-metre radius of the counting centre have been prohibited, and entry will be restricted to authorised personnel carrying valid identity cards.
Authorities have also banned carrying weapons, use of loudspeakers, setting up temporary stalls, and organising victory processions or celebrations across the district during the counting period. The use of firecrackers has also been prohibited.
Officials said security deployment has been strengthened to ensure smooth and orderly conduct of the counting exercise.