Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urges massive voter turnout, highlighting development agenda as polling begins across 126 constituencies. High-stakes electoral battle sees BJP-led NDA face Congress alliance amid strong participation and key political contenders.
As polling got underway across Assam on Thursday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed strong confidence that voters would turn out in significant numbers, driven by aspirations for development and progress in the state.
Speaking on the occasion of the crucial Assembly elections, Sarma emphasized favorable conditions for voting and highlighted the importance of public participation in shaping Assam’s future. “Today is election day in Assam. The weather is very good, and I believe that people will come out and vote in large numbers for the development of Assam,” he stated.
The elections have generated considerable political momentum, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) aiming for a third consecutive term. The opposition, led by the Indian National Congress, is striving to regain power after its defeat in 2016.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also expressed optimism about the state’s future, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He remarked that the coming term could bring accelerated development and upliftment across various sectors in Assam.
According to the Election Commission of India, voter turnout reached 38.92 percent by 11 a.m., indicating an active and engaged electorate. Polling is being conducted across all 126 Assembly constituencies, with a total of 31,490 polling stations spread over 35 districts.
This year’s election features a highly competitive field, with 722 candidates contesting. Key political figures include Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, and Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
The electorate includes approximately 2.50 crore eligible voters, among them nearly 1.25 crore women and 318 voters from the third gender category, reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness of the democratic process.
Among political parties, the Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. Other parties, including the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Trinamool Congress, are also actively contesting across various constituencies.
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Certain constituencies such as Algapur-Katlicherra and Karimganj South have the highest number of candidates, with 15 each, while nine constituencies are witnessing direct contests between only two candidates, intensifying the stakes in those regions.
The results of this high-voltage electoral contest are scheduled to be announced on May 4, which will determine the political trajectory of Assam for the next five years.
