Staff reporter, Bongaigaon: In a baffling turn of events during the recently held panchayat elections in Assam, an independent candidate from Bongaigaon district failed to secure even a single vote—including his own. The incident, which has sparked both confusion and speculation, took place in Ward No. 4 of the 22 No. Alukhunda Gaon Panchayat, where Rejabul Haque contested as an independent candidate for the post of ward member. Haque was pitted against Fazila Khatun, the only other candidate in the fray. To the surprise of many, the final count revealed zero votes in Haque’s favour—raising immediate questions about whether he even voted for himself. While election officials have not confirmed the circumstances behind the shocking result, speculation is rife in the local community. Sources allege that Haque may have cast his own vote for his opponent, possibly under pressure or as part of a clandestine deal. Unverified reports also suggest that members of his family may have supported Khatun, allegedly in exchange for a financial settlement. Adding fuel to the controversy, Haque has so far refused to speak to the media, choosing silence over clarification. His absence from public view has only deepened the mystery surrounding the outcome. The bizarre zero-vote result has quickly gone viral on social media, sparking debates over voter loyalty, backdoor politics, and the integrity of local elections. While the Election Commission is yet to comment, the incident stands as a peculiar—and perhaps cautionary—tale in the landscape of grassroots politics in Assam.
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