Voting is underway across Assam today in what is being seen as one of the most closely watched Assembly elections in recent years. Polling began at 7 AM across all 126 constituencies and will continue till 6 PM, with over 2.49 crore eligible voters expected to decide the political future of the state.
From early morning, long queues were visible at polling booths in several districts, indicating a strong voter turnout trend. Security has been tightened across sensitive constituencies, with central forces deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.
At the centre of this election is Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is facing his first major electoral test after taking charge. Unlike the 2021 elections, where he was a key strategist, this time the mandate is directly tied to his leadership and governance record. Ahead of polling, Sarma urged citizens to participate actively, calling on voters to “come out and vote in large numbers.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 89 seats as part of the NDA alliance, while its allies — Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) — are contesting 26 and 11 seats respectively. The NDA is aiming to retain power by banking on its development narrative, improved law and order, and welfare outreach across rural Assam.
On the other side, the Congress-led opposition alliance is mounting a determined challenge. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has made bold claims ahead of polling, asserting that the alliance is on track to win 72–73 seats — a clear majority in the 126-member Assembly. In a sharply worded attack, Kharge also accused Sarma of being “the most corrupt Chief Minister in India,” a charge that the BJP has strongly rejected as politically motivated.
The opposition, however, has had to deal with internal setbacks. Senior Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi switched sides and joined the BJP just ahead of polling, a move seen as a morale blow for the party at a crucial moment.
The shadow of the 2021 Assembly elections looms large over today’s contest. In the last election, the NDA secured 75 seats, comfortably forming the government. For the Congress and its allies, crossing that number is essential if they hope to return to power.
This election has largely revolved around a clear and intense narrative battle — development versus identity politics. The BJP has foregrounded infrastructure growth, governance stability, and Sarma’s administrative track record. In contrast, the Congress has focused its campaign on issues like rising unemployment, recurring floods, and what it describes as unfulfilled promises by the incumbent government.
The Model Code of Conduct has been in force since March 15, with campaigning officially concluding on April 7 after weeks of high-decibel rallies, roadshows, and political messaging.
All eyes are now on voter turnout and regional voting patterns, which are expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026, while the current Assembly’s term runs until May 20.
For now, Assam waits — as democracy unfolds booth by booth.