Silchar Votes Big: Maiden Municipal Poll Records 70.22% Turnout

Silchar recorded a final voter turnout of 70.22% in its maiden Municipal Corporation election on Saturday (October 3), with polling held across 40 of the 42 wards. The remaining two wards had already been decided uncontested, with BJP candidates elected without a poll. The final turnout was initially reported as 71.93% after polling concluded, but was later revised to 70.22% after complete ward-wise turnout figures became available.

The revised final figure still reflects a substantial level of participation as voters took part in Silchar’s first election to choose representatives for the new Silchar Municipal Corporation.

Polling began across Silchar amid rainfall, which slowed the voting process at some locations during the morning. Despite the weather, voters continued to arrive at polling stations. At 11:30 am, the approximate turnout stood at 19.24%, with ward-wise figures ranging between 18% and 21%. The State Election Commission portal stated that these figures were approximate and based on updates provided by District Authorities at two-hourly intervals.

By 1:30 pm, the approximate overall turnout had risen to 40.24%. Available ward-wise figures ranged between 26% and 51%. The next update at 3:30 pm showed a further rise to 56.3%, with ward-wise turnout between 46% and 67%. Ward No. 1 consistently recorded a comparatively high turnout during the day. The figures showed steadily increasing voter participation as polling progressed despite intermittent rainfall.

At 4:30 pm, the turnout had reached 63.43%, with available ward-wise figures ranging between 52% and 78%. Ward No. 1 continued to record one of the highest turnout figures.

Polling subsequently concluded, and the final overall turnout was initially displayed as 71.93%. However, after the complete ward-wise final turnout figures were made available, the overall figure was revised to 70.22%. The complete ward-wise figures showed turnout ranging between 65% and 82.67%, with Ward No. 1 recording the highest turnout at 82.67%.

The change from 71.93% to 70.22% came after the ward-wise figures were fully updated. The turnout percentages recorded during the day, including the approximate figures released at different intervals, remained broadly consistent with the final trend, but the final aggregate figure changed once the complete ward-wise data was available.

The election also saw political leaders and candidates exercising their franchise and addressing the media. Silchar MLA Rajdeep Roy described the maiden Municipal Corporation election as a historic day and expressed confidence in a BJP and AGP victory across the 42 wards. Sonai MLA Aminul Haque Laskar also cast his vote at Ward No. 27. Both participated in the first civic election of its kind in Silchar.

Candidates also highlighted different issues and perspectives during the polling process. BJP candidate Ataur Rahman Laskar of Ward No. 17 called the election a festival of democracy and expressed confidence in his victory, while Congress candidate Salma Begam Laskar, also from Ward No. 17, said the contest was between BJP and Congress. She identified roads, drainage and clean drinking water as key issues raised during her door-to-door campaign.

The polling day was not entirely incident-free. An alleged false-vote dispute at Hazi Abdul Matlib School polling station in Berenga, Ward No. 26, reportedly led to a clash between AGP and Congress supporters, with several people reportedly injured. Police forces reached the location and brought the situation under control.

With polling now complete, the focus shifts to the counting and declaration of results, which will determine Silchar’s first Municipal Corporation council.

Counting of votes for the maiden Silchar Municipal Corporation election will take place on Tuesday, October 6, from 8 am until the counting process is completed. The results will establish which candidates have won in the 40 wards that went to polls and determine the composition of Silchar’s first Municipal Corporation council. The results will also indicate which political party or alliance has the largest representation in the council.