Assam election counting 2021: BJP leads 24 seats, leaders confident of third term
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Vote counting for the Assam Assembly elections 2021 is underway, with early trends showing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading on 24 seats as of 9:30 am on 4 May. BJP leaders have expressed strong confidence in returning to power for a third consecutive term, with party spokespersons citing favourable trends across multiple constituencies.
BJP Leaders Voice Confidence
BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav stated, "In Assam, the BJP government is going to be formed again, and in other states as well, it seems that people want change." Another party leader, Charu Pragya, echoed that sentiment, saying, "In Assam as well, the trends are completely in favour of the BJP."
BJP candidate from Bihpuria Assembly constituency, Bhupen Bora, highlighted voter support for the state leadership, noting, "The people of Assam have united under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma because Assam needs development."
Counting Details and Scale
Counting began at 8 am across Assam, with 722 candidates contesting from 126 Assembly constituencies. The process is being conducted at 40 centres spread across 35 districts, with candidates, observers, and supporters closely tracking early trends. The Assam results are being counted alongside those from three other states and Puducherry.
Key Candidates to Watch
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is contesting from his stronghold, Jalukbari, aiming for a political hat-trick. Congress state president Gaurav Gogoi is making his Assembly poll debut from Jorhat. All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal is returning to state politics from Binnakandi after losing his Lok Sabha seat in 2024. Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi is contesting from Sibsagar, while Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary is in the fray from Tamulpur.
What Is at Stake
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is seeking a third consecutive term in Assam, a feat that would consolidate the party's grip on the northeast. The Congress and regional forces have sought to challenge BJP's dominance, with the campaign revolving around issues of identity, welfare schemes, and regional aspirations. Notably, this election has been widely seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Sarma's governance since he assumed office in 2021.
What Happens Next
As counting progresses through the day, the full picture is expected to emerge by afternoon. Both ruling and opposition camps are watching closely, with early trends already setting the tone for what is shaping up as a closely contested verdict in the state.