Assam Assembly Elections 2026: Campaigning Concludes Ahead of Polls
Final Push Before Polling Day
Voters attend a campaign rally in Lakhipur. (Photo:@NitinNabin/X)
Guwahati, April 8: The campaigning for the crucial Assam Assembly elections has wrapped up, with political factions making their last efforts before the 48-hour silence period that precedes the April 9 voting for 126 constituencies.
The campaign officially ended at 5 PM, as required by the Election Commission, halting all rallies, roadshows, and canvassing activities across the state on Tuesday evening.
The final day was marked by a flurry of activity, with prominent leaders from various parties holding consecutive rallies and intensifying their appeals to sway undecided voters.
Key figures such as Amit Shah, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Smriti Irani spearheaded the last-minute efforts, highlighting the importance of this election.
This election cycle has been characterized by intense rhetoric, personal attacks, and heated exchanges between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the opposition coalition, with discussions revolving around corruption allegations, identity politics, and welfare commitments.
With campaigning now concluded, the Model Code of Conduct under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act is in effect, prohibiting any public gatherings, processions, or election-related content in electronic media during the silence period.
Law enforcement agencies have ensured a robust presence at all polling stations throughout the state.
Special measures have been implemented to prevent unauthorized entries at state borders in the upcoming 48 hours.
Additionally, a comprehensive system has been established to facilitate the smooth distribution of election materials across districts. Political leaders and party workers arriving from outside the state have been instructed to depart before the silence period begins.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Singh stated that the law-and-order situation is under constant surveillance, with a focus on preventing any attempts to influence voters.
In light of the elections, security around districts bordering international boundaries has been heightened, he noted.
"We are committed to ensuring compliance with all Election Commission regulations until the polling concludes. All checkpoints, whether at inter-district or interstate borders, are on high alert continuously," Singh remarked, adding that flying squads have been deployed to monitor any suspicious activities.
He also mentioned that security forces, including 800 companies of central armed paramilitary units, have been strategically deployed as per the security plan, with necessary arrangements in place to ensure a smooth polling process on April 9.
Singh reported that the adherence to Election Commission guidelines, including the submission of armed licenses, is nearly complete, except for those granted exemptions due to special circumstances.
A total of 151,132 polling personnel have been assigned for the election process. For voting, 41,820 ballot units, 43,975 control units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines have been prepared, including reserves for emergencies. Additional polling staff are also on standby if needed.
There are 722 candidates contesting, with 25,054,463 eligible voters ready to cast their ballots.
This voter base includes 12,531,552 male voters, 12,522,593 female voters, and 318 voters identifying as transgender. Additionally, there are 63,423 service voters.
Among the electorate, 642,314 voters are aged 18-19, 250,006 are over 80 years old, and 205,085 are individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, as per Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission has introduced an optional home voting facility via postal ballot for senior citizens over 85 and identified persons with disabilities.
To date, 26,032 senior citizens (85+) and 8,878 persons with disabilities have utilized their voting rights through postal ballots from home.