Assam Elections Witness High Voter Turnout Despite Rainy Weather
Polling Day Overview
People wait in queues before casting their votes at a polling station in Guwahati. (Photo:PTI)
Guwahati, April 9: The skies were grey and rain-soaked on polling day across Assam on April 9, yet the inclement weather did not deter voters from coming out in significant numbers to influence the state's political landscape.
Voting officially wrapped up at 5 pm, but long lines remained outside numerous polling stations well into the evening, showcasing the voters' enthusiasm.
By 6 pm, the Election Commission of India reported an impressive turnout of 85.13%, exceeding the 82.04% seen in the 2021 Assembly elections, indicating a surge in public engagement in this closely monitored election.
Several constituencies, particularly in lower Assam and central districts, experienced exceptionally high voter turnout.
Leading the turnout were Dalgaon (94.57%), Jaleshwar (94.31%), Srijangram (94.33%), Mankachar (94.08%), and Golakganj (93.42%), reflecting strong voter enthusiasm.
Following closely were Laharighat (93.44%), Chenga (93.38%), and Goalpara East (92.79%), suggesting a robust turnout trend across various regions.
The highest participation rates were primarily observed in:
- Dhubri and Goalpara region (Golakganj, Jaleshwar, Mankachar, Goalpara East)
- Barpeta belt (Chenga, Pakabetbari, Mandia)
- Darrang–Morigaon stretch (Dalgaon, Laharighat)
These areas consistently surpassed the 90% turnout threshold, forming the core of high participation in this election phase.
Guwahati Constituencies Show Lower Turnout
Conversely, constituencies within the Guwahati region reported lower turnout figures:
- Dimoria: 80.52%
- Dispur: 73.98%
- Guwahati Central: 75.23%
- Jalukbari: 80.83%
- New Guwahati: 71.27%
Urban voting patterns remained subdued compared to rural areas, continuing the trend of lower participation in metropolitan constituencies.
The overall data reveals a distinct rural-urban divide, with rural and riverine constituencies driving the state's high polling percentages, while urban segments in Guwahati lagged behind.
Rising Voter Participation
Earlier in the day, voter participation steadily increased, reaching 59.63% by 1 pm, as long queues persisted at polling stations despite intermittent rain in various districts.
Voters expressed that development, governance, and employment were their primary concerns, with many emphasizing the importance of voting as a civic duty.
Several polling centers created a festive atmosphere with decorations, selfie spots, and special provisions for elderly and differently-abled voters, including wheelchair assistance.
Minor Disruptions Reported
The polling process in Assam was largely peaceful, with only sporadic incidents of poll-related violence and EVM issues, which officials managed promptly.
A tragic event occurred in Sonitpur’s Naduar constituency, where a polling official lost their life while on duty, and a clash between political workers in Golaghat was quickly controlled by security forces.
Authorities reported that nine individuals were detained in connection with election-related violence at three locations: Tamulpur, Sivasagar, and Golaghat, by 1 pm.
Officials maintained that these incidents had a minimal impact on the overall voting process.
A Large-Scale Electoral Exercise
Prominent leaders and candidates participated in the voting process across the state, with visible enthusiasm in districts like Hailakandi, Chirang, Biswanath, and Kokrajhar, where early queues formed.
From a mere 17.93% turnout at 9 am, polling momentum built throughout the day across all 126 constituencies, involving over 2.49 crore voters and 722 candidates.
Initial trends suggested a smooth and orderly voting process, with expectations for turnout to increase further in the later hours.