Assam to hold panchayat polls after Rongali Bihu

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced that panchayat elections will take place after the Rongali Bihu festival. The polls will be scheduled between April 2 and April 5. Sarma's announcement comes as the state prepares for rural elections, which have been delayed for over a year. The previous panchayat members' terms expired, raising concerns from the opposition Congress party. Party president Bhupen Kumar Borah threatened legal action over the delay. While speaking to the media in Kamrup district, Sarma confirmed that the electoral schedule will be shared soon after the state board examinations conclude on March 29. He assured that election activities will not clash with the Bihu celebrations in mid-April. State Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass expressed worries about funding from the government of India, which may be affected if elections are not held promptly. He noted that the panchayat department is ready for elections and emphasized that the State Election Commission will announce the official timeline.