Assam Assembly Elections 2021: High-Stakes Polling Set for April 9
Voting for the high-stakes 126-member Assam assembly elections is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, with most constituencies poised for a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and the opposition alliance spearheaded by the Indian National Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party is aiming to secure a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress is striving to regain control of the state it lost in the 2016 elections.
Polling Details and Voter Demographics
Polling will take place from 7 am to 5 pm across 31,490 polling stations spread over 35 districts in Assam. A total of approximately 2.50 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 1.25 crore women and 318 voters from the third gender. The electorate showcases significant diversity, with 6.42 lakh first-time voters, 2.50 lakh voters aged 80 and above, including 2,466 centenarians, and 2.05 lakh persons with disabilities, highlighting the scale and inclusivity of this democratic exercise.
Constituency Breakdown by Parliamentary Segments
The assembly constituencies are organized under 14 parliamentary constituencies, each encompassing multiple assembly seats:
- Kokrajhar (ST): Gossaigaon, Dotma (ST), Kokrajhar (ST), Baokhungri, Parbatjhora, Sidli Chirang (ST), Bijni, Manas, Baksa (ST)
- Dhubri: Golakganj, Gauripur, Dhubri, Birsing-Jarua, Bilasipara, Mankachar, Jaleswar, Goalpara East, Srijangram, Mandia, Chenga
- Barpeta: Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon, Bhawanipur-Sorbhog, Barpeta (SC), Pakabetbari, Bajali, Hajo-Sualkuchi (SC), Barkhetri, Nalbari, Tihu
- Darrang–Udalguri: Rangia, Kamalpur, Tamulpur (ST), Goreswar, Bhergaon, Udalguri (ST), Mazbat, Tangla, Sipajhar, Mangaldai, Dalgaon
- Guwahati: Goalpara West (ST), Dudhnoi (ST), Chamaria, Boko-Chaygaon (ST), Palasbari, Dispur, Dimoria (SC), New Guwahati, Guwahati Central, Jalukbari
- Diphu (ST): Bokajan (ST), Howraghat (ST), Diphu (ST), Rongkhang (ST), Amri (ST), Haflong (ST)
- Karimganj: Hailakandi, Algapur-Katlicherra, Karimganj North, Karimganj South, Patharkandi, Ram Krishna Nagar (SC)
- Silchar (SC): Lakhipur, Udharbond, Katigorah, Borkhola, Silchar, Sonai, Dholai (SC)
- Nagaon: Jagiroad (SC), Laharighat, Morigaon, Dhing, Rupahihat, Samaguri, Nagaon-Batadraba, Raha (SC)
- Kaziranga: Kaliabor, Barhampur, Binnakandi, Hojai, Lumding, Golaghat, Dergaon, Bokakhat, Khumtai, Sarupathar
- Sonitpur: Dhekiajuli, Barchalla, Tezpur, Rangapara, Naduar, Biswanath, Behali (SC), Gohpur, Bihpuria
- Lakhimpur: Rongonadi, Nowboicha (SC), Lakhimpur, Dhakuakhana (ST), Dhemaji (ST), Sissiborgaon, Jonai (ST), Sadiya, Doom Dooma
- Dibrugarh: Margherita, Digboi, Makum, Tinsukia, Chabua-Lahowal, Dibrugarh, Khowang, Duliajan, Tingkhong, Naharkatia
- Jorhat: Sonari, Mahmora, Demow, Sibsagar, Nazira, Majuli (ST), Teok, Jorhat, Mariani, Titabor
Candidate Distribution Among Political Parties
Among political parties, the Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed closely by the BJP with 90 candidates. The All India United Democratic Front has put up 30 candidates, while NDA allies Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front are contesting 26 and 11 seats, respectively.
Within the opposition bloc, Raijor Dal is contesting 13 seats, Assam Jatiya Parishad 10, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) 3, and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference 2 seats. Other parties in the fray include the Aam Aadmi Party with 18 seats, United People’s Party Liberal with 18, All India Trinamool Congress with 22, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with 16, along with 258 independent candidates, adding to the competitive landscape.
This election marks a critical juncture in Assam's political trajectory, with extensive preparations ensuring a smooth and secure voting process for all eligible citizens.
