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Assam Records 38% Voter Turnout in Early Hours of High-Stakes Polls

Voting is underway across all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam, with an approximate 38.92% voter turnout recorded by 11 AM. The election is a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA, aiming for a third term, and the Congress-led opposition alliance. A total of 722 candidates, including prominent political leaders, are in the fray across 31,490 polling stations. The results of this high-voltage battle will be declared on May 4.

Key Points: Assam Assembly Elections: Over 38% Polling in First Hours

  • 38.92% voter turnout by 11 AM
  • Direct BJP-NDA vs Congress alliance fight
  • 722 candidates across 126 constituencies
  • 2.50 crore eligible voters
2 min read

Brisk voting in Assam in first four hours, over 38 pc polling recorded

Assam sees brisk voting with 38.92% turnout by 11 AM. 722 candidates contest across 126 seats in BJP vs Congress battle. Key figures include Himanta Biswa Sarma.

"Assam reported an approximate voter turnout rate (VTR) of 38.92 per cent - Election Data"

Guwahati, April 9

Initial polling trends indicate a steady voter turnout across key regions as voting progressed on Thursday across 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam.

According to data recorded till 11.00 a.m., Assam reported an approximate voter turnout rate (VTR) of 38.92 per cent, reflecting moderate participation in the early hours of polling.

Election officials noted that queues were visible in several constituencies, particularly in rural pockets, suggesting a gradual increase in turnout as the day advances.

Assam is witnessing a high-voltage electoral battle on Thursday as polling is underway in all 126 Assembly constituencies, with the contest largely shaping up as a direct fight between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. The ruling BJP, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is aiming to secure a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress party is attempting to stage a comeback after being voted out of power in 2016.

According to official data, a total of 722 candidates are in the fray. Prominent names include CM Sarma, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi. Polling has been taking place across 31,490 polling stations spread over 35 districts.

The electorate comprises around 2.50 crore eligible voters, including nearly 1.25 crore women and 318 voters from the third gender category.

Among political parties, the Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF is contesting 30 seats, while NDA allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) have fielded 26 and 11 candidates, respectively. Other parties in the fray include Raijor Dal (13), AJP (10), CPI(M) (3), APHLC (2), AAP (18), UPPL (18), Trinamool Congress (22), and JMM (16), in addition to 258 Independent candidates.

The constituencies of Algapur-Katlicherra and Karimganj South have the highest number of candidates at 15 each. In contrast, nine seats -- Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Naduar, Jonai (ST), Doomdooma, Mahmora, Teok, and Lakhipur -- are witnessing straight contests with only two candidates each. Out of the total contestants, 59 are women, with the Congress fielding the highest number at 14, followed by the BJP with seven.

Counting of the votes is scheduled for May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Over 38% in first 4 hours is decent. The real test is whether this momentum continues post-lunch. The direct BJP vs Congress fight makes this very interesting. Hope development is the main agenda.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I hope voters look beyond just party symbols. With 722 candidates, there are many independents and smaller parties who might actually work for their constituency. The two-party dominance isn't always good.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the high number of women voters (nearly 1.25 crore) and 59 women candidates. Hope this translates into better representation and policies for women in the state assembly.
V
Vikram M
The key will be the tea garden belts and the minority-dominated areas. That's where the election will be decided. Himanta Sarma is a strong campaigner, but anti-incumbency is always a factor. Let's see!
K
Karthik V
Good to see participation. But with so many parties (AAP, TMC, JMM also in fray), the vote might get split, leading to unexpected results. The counting on May 4th will be a suspenseful day for sure!

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