Assam Assembly Elections: Voter Turnout Hits 17.87% in Initial Hours

The Assam assembly elections have kicked off with a voter turnout of 17.87% in the first two hours. As the BJP-led NDA seeks a third term, the Congress aims to reclaim its lost ground. Key candidates include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi. With 722 candidates contesting across 31,490 polling stations, the competition is intense. Notably, Majuli recorded the highest turnout, while Tamulpur had the lowest. As the day progresses, the stakes are high for all parties involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 11:11 IST

Guwahati Sees Early Voting Activity

Guwahati: In the initial two hours of the assembly elections in Assam, a voter turnout of 17.87% was recorded. The BJP-led NDA is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress party is working to regain control of a state it lost a decade ago.

Polling commenced at 7 AM for the 126-member assembly, with officials reporting that 17.87% of the state's 2.5 crore voters had participated by 9 AM.

A total of 722 candidates are competing in this election, which primarily features a direct contest between the ruling BJP-led coalition and the opposition Congress-led bloc.

Majuli, a river island, achieved the highest turnout at 20.03%, whereas Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region recorded the lowest at 15.32%.

Despite rain affecting several areas, voters lined up outside polling booths early in the morning.

Notable candidates who have already cast their votes include Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition in Nazira, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad in Khowang, and BJP's Pradyut Bordoloi.

Voting is taking place at 31,490 polling stations across 35 districts, with the polls set to close at 5 PM.

Key candidates in this election include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi.

The Congress has nominated the most candidates, totaling 99, followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF has put forth 30 candidates, while NDA allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) are contesting 26 and 11 seats, respectively.

Within the opposition coalition, Raijor Dal is contesting 13 seats, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) 10, CPI(M) 3, and APHLC 2. Other parties participating include AAP (18), UPPL (18), TMC (22), JMM (16), along with 258 Independents.

Algapur-Katlicherra and Karimganj South have the highest number of candidates, with 15 each, while nine constituencies—Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Naduar, Jonai (ST), Doomdooma, Mahmora, Teok, and Lakhipur—feature only two candidates each.