Guwahati, 03 May (HS): The Election Commission is fully prepared for the counting of votes for the Assam Assembly elections, which will take place across 40 counting centres under tight security arrangements. The counting process is scheduled to begin at 8 AM on Monday, deciding the fate of 722 candidates contesting in 126 assembly constituencies.

Notably, polling for the Assembly elections was conducted in a single phase on April 9 across the state. Assam recorded a voter turnout of 85.5% this time, marking a record-high participation in the state’s electoral history.

In terms of seat distribution, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contested 90 seats, while its ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) fielded candidates in 26 seats and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) in 11 seats. The Congress contested 99 seats, while AJP contested 10 seats and Raijor Dal 13 seats. Other parties in the fray include JMM (19 seats), UPPL (17), CPI (5), NPP (2), AIUDF (27), TMC (23), AAP (20), CPI(M) (2), CPI(ML) (2) and APHLC (2). Additionally, 259 candidates entered the fray as independents.

The counting day is being keenly awaited by both political leaders and the general public. While both the ruling and opposition camps have expressed confidence in their victory, the final outcome will be clear only after the votes are counted.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash