Guwahati, 24 March (HS): Ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly Elections 2026, several initiatives have been launched across the state to enhance voter participation, incorporating social media influencers, para-athletes, and community-based engagement activities.

The initiative forms part of the Election Commission’s Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, aimed at raising awareness about voting rights and responsibilities. Officials across districts are organizing a wide range of awareness activities, including street plays, rangoli and painting competitions, slogan-writing contests, digital poster campaigns, wall-writing drives, and workshops.

To further expand outreach, innovative engagement methods such as news presentation competitions and other interactive platforms have also been introduced. Authorities stated that the campaign is being conducted under the supervision of the Chief Electoral Officer to ensure maximum voter engagement across the state.

Several districts have adopted localized approaches to connect with voters, including the introduction of unique mascots such as ‘Bakhar’ in Lakhimpur, ‘Ganbandhu’ in Sonitpur, ‘Jolou’ in Jorhat, ‘Chameli’ in Golaghat and ‘Dwimalu’ and ‘Sikhiri’ in Kokrajhar. Prominent personalities have also been roped in to widen the campaign’s appeal. In Jorhat, popular Northeast blogger Abhinav Bora, known as ‘LazyGuy’, has been made the face of the campaign to engage youth voters. Actor Rajiv Duwari has been appointed as an icon in Lakhimpur, while para-cyclist Rakesh Banik is leading awareness drives across multiple districts.

Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel expressed confidence that the comprehensive campaign will significantly boost voter turnout and urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. Polling for 126 Assembly seats in Assam is scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash