More than 2.5 crore voters to decide the fate of 722 candidates; counting set for May 4
Guwahati, April 9 — Polling for the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly elections commenced at 7 AM on Thursday across all 126 constituencies, with authorities reporting a smooth start under tight security arrangements.
According to officials, over 2.5 crore registered voters are eligible to participate in the electoral process, which is being conducted at 31,486 polling stations across the state. The Election Commission has equipped all polling stations with webcasting facilities to enhance transparency.
Around 1.51 lakh polling personnel have been deployed, supported by state police and central forces, including CRPF units, to ensure law and order during voting.
A total of 722 candidates are contesting in this election, including 663 men and 59 women. The final list was confirmed after scrutiny of nominations and withdrawals. Initially, 815 candidates had filed 1,389 nomination papers, of which 789 were accepted before 67 candidates withdrew.
The electorate in Assam stands at 2,50,54,463 voters, with a near-equal number of male and female voters, along with 318 third-gender voters. Additionally, 63,423 service voters are eligible to cast their ballots.
The voter base includes over 6.4 lakh young voters aged between 18 and 19, while more than 2.5 lakh voters are aged above 80. The state also has over 2 lakh registered voters with disabilities.
Dalgaon constituency has the highest number of voters at over 3.17 lakh, while Ameri has the lowest with just above 1 lakh voters.
Out of the total 126 constituencies, 98 are general seats, nine are reserved for Scheduled Castes, and 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
Some constituencies are witnessing high competition, with up to 15 candidates contesting in seats such as Algapur-Katlichera and South Karimganj. In contrast, nine constituencies, including Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), and Lakhimpur, have only two candidates each.
Election officials said the arrangements aim to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful voting process, with enhanced monitoring and security deployment across sensitive areas.
The elections come in the backdrop of the 2021 Assembly polls, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secured a majority with 75 seats, while the Congress-led alliance won 46 seats.
The counting of votes will take place on May 4, and the term of the current Assembly is set to end on May 20. The results will determine the composition of the next government in Assam.
inputs and images : Hindustan samachar
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Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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