High-Energy Campaigning Marks Final Day Before Assam Assembly Elections
Vibrant Campaigning in Guwahati
Mira Borthakur and Kunki Chowdhury leading campaign rallies in Guwahati on Tuesday
Guwahati, April 7: The concluding day of campaigning for the Assam Assembly elections was marked by a series of dynamic roadshows and rallies in major urban areas, with Guwahati standing out as a hub of political activity as the deadline approached at 5 pm on Tuesday.
In Guwahati, candidates Mira Borthakur and Kunki Chowdhury spearheaded lively roadshows, attracting large crowds of enthusiastic supporters.
Accompanied by party workers waving flags and chanting slogans, the candidates transformed the streets into a vibrant display of political energy.
This final effort aimed to solidify voter support and create a memorable visual impact just ahead of the elections.
Similar high-energy campaigning was observed throughout the state, where political parties made their last appeals through public gatherings, door-to-door campaigns, and localized interactions.
With the campaigning phase concluded, voters are set to cast their ballots on April 9, with 722 candidates vying for positions in the 126-member Assam Assembly during a single-phase election.
The lead-up to the elections has been characterized by a fierce and often contentious rivalry between the ruling NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance, featuring intense rhetoric and contrasting narratives.
Prominent BJP figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have conducted a vigorous campaign, criticizing the Congress on issues such as alleged infiltration, insurgency, and developmental shortcomings during their governance.
The ruling party has emphasized its achievements, highlighting initiatives like land rights for tea garden workers, welfare programs for women, financial aid for female students, and a noted decrease in child marriage rates.
Additionally, they reiterated their commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam.
In response, the Congress and its allies have accused the BJP of fostering divisive politics, corruption, and uneven development, while promising welfare initiatives such as financial support for women, enhanced healthcare access, and land rights for indigenous populations.
The campaign has also been fueled by personal attacks, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleging that state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has ties to Pakistan’s ISI, while the Congress has raised concerns regarding the financial dealings of Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.
National leaders from both sides have been actively campaigning across Assam, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi leading the opposition's efforts.
Key candidates include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and various senior ministers, along with regional figures like Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
The NDA coalition consists of the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF), while the opposition alliance includes the Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference.
In contrast to previous elections that were conducted in multiple phases, this time Assam will hold its elections in a single phase, raising the stakes for all participating parties.