Moderate Voter Participation Observed in Assam Elections
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Guwahati, April 9 (NationPress) The initial voting trends from Assam reveal a moderate level of voter engagement across various constituencies during the first few hours on Thursday. In the Bongaigaon district, Abhayapuri exhibited a voter turnout of 18.75%, closely followed by Srijangram at 18.07% and Bongaigaon constituency at 17.8%, as per the early data shared by election officials.
In Upper Assam, Demow reported a turnout of 18.28%, while Nazira saw 18.24% of voters participating.
Sivasagar noted a slightly higher engagement with 18.52% during the early polling phase.
Voting is actively taking place across all constituencies in the state, with officials optimistic about a rise in voter turnout as the day unfolds.
Assam is currently in the midst of a significant electoral contest, with elections being held for all 126 Assembly constituencies. The political landscape is shaping up as a direct confrontation between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition coalition.
The ruling BJP, spearheaded by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is striving for a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to reclaim power after being ousted in 2016.
As per official information, there are a total of 722 candidates competing. Notable figures include CM Himanta Sarma, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, and AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
Polling is occurring across 31,490 polling stations in 35 districts, with approximately 2.50 crore eligible voters, including nearly 1.25 crore women and 318 individuals from the third gender.
Among the political parties, the Congress has nominated 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 put forward 26 and 11 candidates, respectively.
Other parties participating 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 feature the highest number of candidates at 15 each. Conversely, nine seats—Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Naduar, Jonai (ST), Doomdooma, Mahmora, Teok, and Lakhipur—are seeing straightforward contests with only two candidates each.
Out of the total candidates, 59 are women, with the Congress fielding the highest number at 14, followed by the BJP with 7.