Congress candidate Tanzil Hussain has accused the ruling BJP of widespread electoral malpractice during Wednesday’s by-polls in the Samaguri constituency. Hussain claimed that BJP supporters engaged in “booth capturing, rigging, coercion, and undue influence,” specifically targeting Congress polling agents and voters.
According to Hussain, BJP MLAs Jitu Goswami and Rupak Sharma were seen at multiple polling stations, allegedly in violation of Election Commission guidelines. He listed 17 voting booths where Congress agents were reportedly ousted and booths “captured and rigged” by BJP supporters. Furthermore, Hussain alleged that his opponent, BJP candidate Diplu Ranjan Sarma, threatened Congress agents and interfered at six polling stations.
Hussain also stated that an Additional Superintendent of Police detained Congress workers without cause at one polling station, intensifying calls for re-polling to ensure a “free and fair election.”The by-elections, held in five Assam constituencies, saw a high turnout of nearly 76%, with Samaguri recording 79.55%. Incidents of violence were reported in both Samaguri and Behali, contributing to heightened tensions between BJP and Congress supporters.
