Assam Assembly Polls 2026: LIVE UPDATES
The last Assembly election in 2021 recorded an impressive 82.04 per cent voter turnout, with the BJP-led NDA retaining power by winning 75 out of 126 seats.
File image of a BJP election campaign rally at Makum (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, April 9: Assam is set for a high-stakes electoral battle today as polling for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections will begin in just a few hours at 7 am and continue till 6 pm across all 126 constituencies in the state. The votes will be counted and results declared on May 4.
In a significant shift from the previous Assembly polls held in three phases in 2021, this year’s election is being conducted in a single phase, with over 2.5 crore voters expected to exercise their franchise in what is being seen as one of the most closely watched political contests in the Northeast.
The last Assembly election in 2021 recorded an impressive 82.04 per cent voter turnout, with the BJP-led NDA retaining power by winning 75 out of 126 seats.
Ahead of polling, election authorities on Wednesday completed final logistical preparations across districts, including the distribution of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), ballot units, VVPATs, and polling materials to designated polling personnel. The commissioning of EVMs has also been completed across all constituencies, with thousands of ballot units, control units, and VVPAT machines readied for deployment.
Security has been tightened across the state, with polling personnel and law enforcement agencies deployed in sensitive and vulnerable areas to ensure peaceful voting and maintain law and order throughout the day.
As Assam heads into a crucial election day that will shape the state’s political future for the next five years, all eyes will be on voter turnout, key battleground constituencies, and the overall mood on the ground.
Stay tuned for live updates as polling begins across Assam.
A young voter from Devi Charan Baruah Higher Secondary Girls’ School, Jorhat expressed that the new generation is choosing candidates over parties.
“We vote for those who stand with the people, not parties. Whoever wins should continue to work for the public,” the voter said while on queue, adding that this election feels different due to the presence of several young candidates.
Meanwhile, APCC Chief and Congress Candidate from Jorhat LAC Gaurav Gogoi is scheduled to cast his vote at this polling station in Jorhat
Nalbari EVM Malfunction: In another disruption reported from the district, polling was affected at Polling Station No. 88 at Devadatta Sharma Primary School in the Nalbari constituency after an EVM malfunction halted voting.
Voters have been unable to cast their ballots so far, including Congress-backed opposition alliance candidate Ashok Sharma, who is registered at the same booth.
Ground reports from Golaghat: Polling is yet to begin at a booth in 2 No. Bengenakhowa Primary School under the 103 Golaghat Assembly constituency following a malfunction in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
Reacting to the incident, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) president Akhil Gogoi condemned the assault.
"Gogoi alleged that goons associated with Jayanta Hazarika alias Kushal Duwari attacked Bidyut Saikia and left him seriously injured,", Gogoi posted on social media.
KMSS General Secretary Bidyut Saikia Allegedly Attacked in Poll-Related Violence
Bidyut Saikia, the general secretary of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), was allegedly attacked ahead of the elections.
In Picture: Cabinet Minister and BJP Candidate from Dhekiajuli LAC Ashok Singhal caste his vote
Out of the total 722 candidates, 60 are women and 662 are men. The Congress has fielded the highest number of women candidates in this election.
This year, the Assam Assembly Elections feature 211 candidates from national parties, 116 from regional parties, 137 from registered political parties, and 258 independent candidates.
Minister and Lakhipur BJP candidate Kaushik Rai and his wife cast their vote
Voters queue up early as polling stations witness steady turnout.