- Over 2.5 Crore Voters To Decide Fate Of 722 Candidates In Assam Polls

Guwahati, 09 April (HS): Voting for the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly elections commenced at 7 AM on Thursday across 126 constituencies amid tight security arrangements. The polling process began smoothly, with elaborate measures in place to ensure a free and fair election.

A total of 722 candidates are in the fray, and over 2.5 crore voters will decide their fate. The administration has made comprehensive arrangements to conduct the polling in a seamless and orderly manner. Voting is being held across 31,486 polling stations, all of which are equipped with webcasting facilities as arranged by the Election Commission. As many as 1,51,132 polling personnel have been deployed, along with police and CRPF forces to maintain law and order.

Notably, out of the 722 candidates contesting, 663 are male and 59 are female. Earlier, 815 candidates had filed 1,389 nomination papers for the 126 constituencies. After scrutiny, 789 candidates were found eligible, out of which 67 withdrew, leaving 722 candidates in the final fray.

The total electorate in Assam stands at 2,50,54,463, including 1,25,31,552 male voters, 1,25,22,593 female voters, and 318 third-gender voters. Additionally, there are 63,423 service voters.

Among the electorate, 6,42,314 voters are in the 18–19 age group, while 2,50,006 are above 80 years of age and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities. Dalgaon constituency has the highest number of voters at 3,17,110, while Ameri has the lowest with 1,00,494 voters.

Out of the 126 constituencies, 98 are general, 9 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 19 for Scheduled Tribes. The highest number of candidates—15 each—are contesting from Algapur-Katlichera and South Karimganj constituencies. In contrast, nine constituencies have only two candidates each, including Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Nadua, Jonai (ST), Doomdooma, Mahmara, Thowra and Lakhimpur.

It may be recalled that the 2021 Assam Assembly elections were held in two phases, with the BJP-led NDA securing 75 seats. The BJP won 60 seats, AGP 9 and UPPL 6, while the Congress-led alliance secured 46 seats.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4, while the term of the current Assembly will end on May 20.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash