Silchar: An estimated 63.43% of voters exercised their franchise in Silchar’s first Municipal Corporation election on Saturday, with polling passing off peacefully except for a scuffle at a booth in Ward 26.Rain slowed voting in the morning, but turnout picked up as the weather improved. A total of 131 candidates contested 40 of the 42 wards, with voting held at 303 polling stations. BJP candidates Bijendra Prasad Singh and Bhakti Sen Talukdar were elected unopposed from Wards 9 and 20.Ward 1 recorded the highest turnout at around 78%, while Ward 22 recorded the lowest at around 50%, according to provisional figures.Tension erupted at Abdul Matlib LP School in Berenga under Ward 26 following allegations that voters were being influenced. Residents alleged that the husband of an AGP candidate was trying to influence voters inside the centre. Independent candidate Amir Hossain Laskar allegedly intervened and was assaulted. A clash between AGP and Congress supporters was also reported.Police brought the situation under control and security was strengthened. There was no official confirmation on repolling. Oct 5 was kept aside for repolling, if required.
