Assam: BJP widens lead in Majuli assembly by-election

Ruling BJP alliance candidate Bhuban Gam on Thursday extended his lead over his nearest rival, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) joint opposition nominee Chittaranjan Basumatary  by more than 32,000 votes in the Majuli Assembly by-election.

Gam received 50,146 votes, while Basumatary received 18,139 votes. Bhaity Richong of SUCI-C was third with 1,755 votes, while 1,271 votes were polled for NOTA.

In the March 7 by-elections, 71.76% of the total 1.33 lakh voters exercised their franchise.

The by-elections were required following the resignation of Union Minister and former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on September 27 last year.

He was elected to the State Assembly twice in a row from this seat.