NDA bags over 320 panchayat seats uncontested in Assam

Guwahati: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has scored a significant pre-poll advantage in Assam's upcoming panchayat elections, clinching 288 Anchalik Panchayat (AP) and 37 Zila Parishad (ZP) seats uncontested.

Of the 2,192 total AP seats, the NDA has secured 288-259 by BJP and 29 by its ally AGP-representing over 13% of the total. In the ZP category, the alliance has already won 37 of 397 seats-35 for BJP and 2 for AGP-making up more than 9% of the total.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the outcome "a massive and unprecedented mandate in Assam's political history," in a post on X. He attributed the early wins to the "immense trust and overwhelming love" of the people for the NDA and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sarma added that the NDA's final tally will likely increase after polling concludes.

Panchayat elections are scheduled in two phases-May 2 and May 7-across 27 districts. Counting will take place on May 11. While Gaon Panchayat (GP) elections are held without party symbols, political affiliations are applicable at the AP and ZP levels.