Guwahati, Apr 19: The Congress party on Friday unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Assam Panchayat elections, promising to strengthen grassroots governance and fulfill commitments made to the public. The manifesto was released at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah and senior leader and former MP Ripun Bora.

Speaking at the event, Bhupen Kumar Borah emphasized the party’s commitment to decentralised development. “Rajiv Gandhi introduced the Panchayati Raj system. We have released the manifesto for the Panchayat elections, and the Congress party will fulfil all promises made to the people,” he said.

Assam is set to hold Panchayat elections in two phases. The first phase will take place on May 2 across 14 districts, and the second phase is scheduled for May 7 in the remaining 13 districts. Counting of votes for both phases will be held on May 11.

The State Election Commission has announced that over 1.80 crore voters, including 90.71 lakh male voters, 89.65 lakh female voters, and 408 voters from the third gender, will cast their votes at 25,007 polling stations.

The nomination process for both phases was conducted from April 3 to April 11. Scrutiny of nominations took place on April 12, and April 17 was the last date for withdrawal of candidatures. Elections will be held for Gaon Panchayat, Anchalik Panchayat, and Zilla Parishad levels.

A total of 21,920 Gaon Panchayat members, 2,192 Gram Panchayat Presidents and Vice Presidents, 2,192 Anchalik Panchayat members, 181 Anchalik Panchayat Presidents and Vice Presidents, and 397 Zilla Parishad members will be elected.

Assam State Election Commissioner Alok Kumar confirmed that around 1.20 lakh polling personnel will be deployed to ensure a smooth election process, supported by adequate security arrangements across the state.