Assam Election 2026: 39% Vote by Mid-Morning in 126 Seats

Voting commenced today, April 9, 2026, across Assam's 126 assembly constituencies, with approximately 38.92% of the electorate having participated by 11 a.m. The state's 2.5 crore registered voters are determining the electoral landscape, with the ruling BJP-led NDA aiming for a third consecutive term against a challenge from the Congress-led INDIA alliance. This election marks the first significant electoral contest following a delimitation exercise that reshaped the state's electoral map in 2023.

Prominent leaders casting their votes included state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi in Jorhat, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia in Nazira, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and BJP's Pradyut Bordoloi. The BJP's campaign has centered on governance, welfare initiatives, and the 'Jati, Mati, Bheti' narrative, while the Congress has sought to tap into anti-incumbency sentiments. Key alliances include the NDA (BJP + AGP + BPF) and the INDIA bloc (Congress + AJP + Raijor Dal + CPI(M)).

As the state participated in this electoral exercise, several political figures made pronouncements. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the Kamakhya Temple and urged voters to participate, emphasizing development. BJP National Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda also sought blessings at Kamakhya Temple, appealing for high voter turnout. Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, after casting his vote, claimed a public sentiment for change and described the current government as "fascist," predicting a significant shift. Former BJP President Bhabesh Kalita also urged a strong voter turnout.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi both issued appeals for citizens to exercise their right to vote, framing the election as a "festival of democracy." Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika stated that voters would opt for development, adding that his party supports indigenous Assamese Muslims while opposing illegal migration from Bangladesh.

Early reports indicate strong polling momentum, with some constituencies, like Dudhnoi, recording higher-than-average turnout figures by mid-morning. Ten constituencies across the state have already surpassed the 40% mark in voter participation within the initial hours. The electorate comprises 1,24,82,213 male voters, 1,24,75,583 female voters, and 343 voters identifying as third gender. The election is being conducted across all 126 assembly seats in a single phase, with vote counting scheduled for May 4, 2026.

The Assam Assembly Elections 2026 represent a crucial political juncture for the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party is vying for its third consecutive term, having previously secured victory in 2016 and 2021. The Congress, which lost power a decade ago, is seeking to regain a foothold in the state. The electoral contest is also influenced by the recent redrawing of constituency boundaries following the 2023 delimitation exercise, a process that often sparks political debate regarding its implications for representation and fairness. The election is taking place concurrently with polls in Kerala and Puducherry. While most reports focused on the election process and initial turnout, one report mentioned a poll official found dead in Sonitpur on voting day, though details were not elaborated.