In December 2019 at the height of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Binod Hazarika’s house was burnt down in Chabua in Dibrugarh district. Hazarika then had to flee with his family members.
Cut to May, 2021. Hazarika, who contested from Lahowal in Dibrugarh district in the Assembly elections, had a comfortable victory. This, in nutshell, is the story of the elections in Assam this year. Taking place just a year after the violent anti-CAA protests which rocked the State in December 2019, it was expected that the protests would have an implication on the results of the elections. However, nothing of that sort happened and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power in Assam by winning 75 seats. While BJP won 60 seats, their allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and UPPL won nine and six seats respectively.
On the other hand, the Indian National Congress (INC) led Grand Alliance or Mahajot faltered big time, only being able to secure 50 seats. Congress, which had led the alliance, won just 29 out of the 95 seats they contested. Their allies, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) won 16 seats while Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) won four seats.
When it came to vote share in this election, BJP finished with 33.21% vote share, the highest among all the parties. Congress didn’t lag too behind with 29.67% votes but unfortunately, that didn’t translate into seats. AGP got 7.91% votes, AIUDF got 9.29% votes while 1.14% voters pressed the NOTA button.
This story is from the June 2021 edition of Eclectic Northeast.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2021 edition of Eclectic Northeast.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Time For Home Improvement!
Here are some home improvement projects that even absolute beginners will get right
Coping With Anxiety
Here are a few ways that you can deal with anxiety that you may be feeling because of the on-going pandemic
The Spread Continues
According to official reports, African Swine Fever has killed more than 1,700 pigs in Mizoram
Take the Unexplored Path
If you are looking for an underrated destination to explore this year, plan a trip to the charming town of Likabali
The Lotus Blooms Again
The Congress-led grand alliance bites dust in Assam as BJP retains power again in 2021
Painting Heritage
An up-and-coming artist from Nagaland wants to share his culture and heritage through works of art
MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS
People often ask me about my life out of uniform. Honestly, I have had no problems. Not so far. Instead, I find it quite refreshing. No routine, no parades, no briefing, no impending operations. Having donned the uniform since the age of thirteen until I hung up my boots last year, could I ever visualize life out of uniform? Not really. But, as I said, the transition has been quite smooth–no hang-overs, no regrets. People have been very positive in their interactions. Government departments have been responsive whenever I have approached for assistance.The genuine respect for the uniform is quite evident and it makes my heart swell with pride. Arunachal, to that extent, is the most nationalistic state in the country, I daresay. It has been kind of a revelation for me to experience the freedom of being a common man in an environment of positivity!
Look Good, Feel Good!
Here are four cruelty-free makeup brands that deserve a spot in your vanity bag
Manipur Introduces Gender Budget
The main objective is to bring forward a gender perspective at all stages of policy making
TAKING DAAKOR BOSON TO THE WORLD
Two artists are using visually appealing artwork to spark conversations about Assam, and the region
