As many as seven people were arrested in connection with incidents of election-related violence in Assam, even as polling for the 126-member Assembly began on Thursday amid tight security arrangements, officials said. According to police, clashes were reported from Tamulpur and Sivasagar on Wednesday night, just hours before voting commenced at 7 am.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh said a clash broke out between two groups in Tamulpur.
“Police reached the spot immediately and tried to control the crowd. When they did not listen, a few rounds were fired in the air to disperse the mob,” he said, adding that four people were arrested from the area.
In a separate incident in Sivasagar, two to three members of a political party were allegedly attacked. Police have detained three persons in connection with the incident, and an investigation is underway.
Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, who is contesting from the Sibsagar constituency, alleged that BJP candidate Kushal Dowari was behind the attack. In social media posts, Gogoi claimed that two people were injured and vehicles were damaged.
Bodoland Territorial Council Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary said a detailed inquiry would ascertain the cause of the Tamulpur clash. He added that the situation is currently under control, with adequate security deployed to prevent further incidents.
Meanwhile, minor clashes were also reported from several polling booths in districts, including Sribhumi, Golaghat and Nagaon, after voting began. Officials said most of these incidents were triggered by heavy voter turnout, leading to scuffles over queue management.
At polling stations in areas such as Patharkandi, Merapani, and Raha, supporters of rival political parties were involved in brief clashes. However, police personnel stationed at these locations intervened promptly, ensuring that voting continued without major disruption.
Polling is underway to determine the fate of 722 candidates contesting across 126 constituencies. Voting will continue till 5 pm, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
The ruling BJP-led NDA is aiming for a third consecutive term in the state, while the Congress is seeking to regain power after a decade.
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