In a boost to the ongoing Assam Legislative Assembly elections, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday predicted a massive voter surge driven by the people’s commitment to the state’s development agenda. From Jalukbari, Sarma noted the ideal voting weather and called on citizens to make their voices heard decisively.
Sarma stressed the pivotal role of voter participation in shaping Assam’s growth story, portraying elections as the lifeblood of democracy. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal joined in, painting a vibrant picture of Assam’s prospects in the coming years under PM Modi’s guidance, promising holistic progress in every corner of the state.
Early figures from the Election Commission showed an impressive 38.92% turnout by 11 AM, with voting active across all 126 seats. The contest is primarily between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-headed opposition front. BJP eyes a consecutive term under Sarma, while Congress aims to reclaim lost ground post-2016.
The fray features 722 aspirants, headlined by key players including Sarma himself, Gaurav Gogoi of Congress, Debabrata Saikia, Badruddin Ajmal of AIUDF, Akhil Gogoi from Raijor Dal, and Lurinjyoti Gogoi of AJP. Polling stations numbering 31,490 dot 35 districts, serving about 2.5 crore electors – 1.25 crore women strong, plus 318 from the third-gender category.
Hot contests mark seats like Algapur-Katlicherra and Karimganj South with 15 candidates apiece, contrasting nine seats with just two contenders: Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Nadwar, Jonai (ST), Dumduma, Mahmora, Teok, and Lakhipur. Women candidates total 59, led by Congress’s 14 and BJP’s 7. Results are set for May 4, promising a new chapter for Assam.
