Jalukbari, April 9 (NationPress) With the Assembly elections taking place, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confidently stated on Thursday that the citizens will participate in significant numbers to support the state’s development.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, CM Sarma mentioned, “Today is the election day in Assam. The weather is quite pleasant, and I anticipate that the people will mobilize and vote extensively for Assam's progress.”

Additionally, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared his positive outlook regarding the state's future.

Sonowal expressed, "We are very optimistic that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, the upcoming term will bring even more excitement, development, and enhancement for Assam across all sectors."

As per reports from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the voter turnout in Assam's Assembly elections reached 38.92 percent by 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Assam is currently experiencing a high-stakes electoral contest as voting occurs across all 126 Assembly constituencies, primarily between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. The ruling BJP, headed by Chief Minister Sarma, aims for a third consecutive term, while the Congress seeks to reclaim power after its defeat in 2016.

Official data indicates that a total of 722 candidates are contesting, including notable figures such as 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. Voting is taking place at 31,490 polling stations across 35 districts.

The electorate consists of approximately 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 nominated the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF is contesting 30 seats, while NDA partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) have put forth 26 and 11 candidates, respectively. Other parties in the election 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.

Within the constituencies, Algapur-Katlicherra and Karimganj South have the highest number of candidates at 15 each. Conversely, nine seats—Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Naduar, Jonai (ST), Doomdooma, Mahmora, Teok, and Lakhipur—are witnessing direct contests with only two candidates each. Out of the total contestants, 59 are women, with the Congress nominating the most at 14, followed by the BJP with 7.

Vote counting is slated for May 4.