Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the panchayat elections in the state could be held in February, provided the Gauhati High Court delivers its judgment on related petitions by midnight on Friday. Sarma explained that if the court’s ruling is received in time, the election notification can be issued, and the polls will be held in two phases on February 10 and 12.

However, if the judgment is delayed, the elections will be postponed until after the school board exams, which start on February 14. The delay in the election process is due to challenges to the delimitation exercise, particularly in the Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency.

Sarma emphasized that despite opposition efforts to delay the elections, the government is eager to proceed with the panchayat polls, as they are vital for strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.