Himanta Biswa Sarma Seeks Blessings at Kamakhya Temple Amid Assam Elections
Synopsis
As Assam's Assembly elections unfold, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife visit the Kamakhya Temple to seek blessings. This significant moment occurs on the day of voting, highlighting the intersection of politics and spirituality in the state's electoral landscape.
Key Takeaways
Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Maa Kamakhya Temple on election day.
The temple is a significant site for political leaders.
Polling is taking place across all 126 constituencies in Assam.
722 candidates are competing for various seats.
The elections represent a major political contest between BJP and Congress.
Guwahati, April 9 (NationPress) On Thursday, Assam's Chief Minister and BJP candidate for Jalukbari, Himanta Biswa Sarma, visited the esteemed Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati to seek divine guidance. This visit coincided with the day of voting for the significant Assam Assembly elections, as CM Sarma aimed to receive blessings before the commencement of the polling.
Alongside his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the Chief Minister engaged in temple rituals and had a brief interaction with the priests.
Located on the Nilachal Hills, the Kamakhya Temple is of great religious importance, often attracting political figures seeking favor before pivotal events.
Assam is currently immersed in a high-stakes electoral contest, with voting occurring across all 126 Assembly constituencies, primarily pitting the BJP-led NDA against the Congress-led opposition.
The ruling BJP, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is striving for a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims for a comeback after losing power in 2016.
Official records indicate that 722 candidates are competing, featuring notable figures such as CM Sarma, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi, Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia, Badruddin Ajmal from AIUDF, Akhil Gogoi of Raijor Dal, and Lurinjyoti Gogoi from Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP).
Polling is being conducted at 31,490 stations across 35 districts, with approximately 2.50 crore eligible voters, including around 1.25 crore women and 318 individuals identifying as third gender.
Among the political factions, the Congress has nominated the highest number of candidates at 99, closely followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF is contesting 30 seats, while the NDA allies, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), have fielded 26 and 11 candidates respectively.
Other parties in the race include Raijor Dal (13), AJP (10), CPI(M) (3), APHLC (2), AAP (18), UPPL (18), TMC (22), and JMM (16), along with 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 experiencing direct contests with only two candidates each.
Out of the total participants, 59 are women, with the Congress presenting the most candidates at 14, while the BJP has seven.
Point of View
The visit of Assam's Chief Minister to the Kamakhya Temple underscores the intertwining of faith and politics. As polling takes place across the state, this moment reflects the strategic moves of political leaders seeking public and divine favor.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Kamakhya Temple?
The Kamakhya Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine situated atop the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, known for its religious significance and as a site where many political leaders seek blessings before major events.
How many candidates are contesting in the Assam Assembly elections?
A total of 722 candidates are contesting in the Assam Assembly elections across 126 constituencies.
Which parties are primarily contesting in Assam's elections?
The main contest is between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance, with several other parties also participating.
What is the total number of eligible voters in Assam?
Approximately 2.50 crore eligible voters are registered in Assam for the Assembly elections.
What role does spirituality play in Assam's politics?
Spirituality often intersects with politics in Assam, where leaders frequently visit religious sites like the Kamakhya Temple to seek blessings and support from the public.
