GUWAHATI, March 1 � The decision of the Election Commission (EC) to hold the elections to the Assam Legislative Assembly in two phases has evoked mixed reaction from the political parties of the state. While, the ruling Congress welcomed the decision, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) said that keeping in view the situation in the State, the elections should have been held in at least four phases.
The AGP was demanding that the elections should be held in four phases to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls. AGP spokesman Atul Bora said that with the EC deciding to hold the elections in two phases, it is now up to the Commission to ensure holding of free and fair polls. The EC should also ensure that the law and order is maintained and the ruling Congress is prevented from misusing the administrative machinery, he added.
BJP national council member Sarbananda Sonowal said that it would have been better if the elections are held in at least three phases. He said that a three phase poll would have been more convenient for all the political parties. He also pointed out that with law and order situation a cause for concern, a three phase poll would have ensured better deployment of the security forces to ensure violence free elections.
However, the ruling Congress has welcomed the decision to hold the polls in two phases before the Rongali Bihu. The ruling party had in fact demanded two phase polls in the state.
