Polling begins in Assam by-polls

Polling started for the by-polls to Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency and Baithalangso assembly constituency in Assam on Saturday amid tight security.

"Polling started in a peaceful manner and moderate turnout of voters was recorded in almost all the polling stations till now," said a senior election official.

Electronic voting machines were being used in all the polling stations, the officials added.

Voting is taking place across 2,200 polling stations in the two constituencies -- 1,954 in Lakhimpur and 246 in Baithalangso.

While 15,11,110 electorates were expected to cast their votes in the Lakhimpur, 1,80,203 voters are likely to elect their leaderin Baithalangso.

There are five candidates in the electoral fray for Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had fielded legislator Pradan Baruah, the Congress has put up senior party member Hema Hari Pegu. Besides, the Communist Party of India has fielded Amiya Kumar Handique while the Socialist Unity Centre of India has fielded Hem Kanta Miri.

Disgruntled BJP leader and former BJP legislator from Doomdooma constituency, Dilip Moran has filed his nomination as an Independent candidate for the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Moran, who had lost in the last assembly polls in April.

On the other hand, a total of three candidates are in the fray for the bypoll to Baithalangso. While the BJP has fielded Mansing Rongpi, the Congress has put up Rupon Sing Ronghang. Rajen Timung has also filed his nomination as Independent candidate.

While the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after sitting MP Sarbananda Sonowal resigned after becoming state Chief Minister, Baithalangso fell vacant after its legislator Mansing Rongpi resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP.

--IANS

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