First Phase of Assam Panchayat Polls Begins Today Across 14 Districts

The first phase of Assam’s panchayat elections begins today in 14 districts, with voting from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM under tight security. Over 89.6 lakh voters will decide the fate of 3,247 candidates across Zilla Parishad, Anchalik Panchayat, and Gaon Panchayat seats. Around 11% of polling stations are marked “critical.” Gaon Panchayat candidates are running without party symbols to encourage apolitical grassroots democracy. Phase two is on May 7; results on May 11.