Assam has started voting on its legislative cycle as voters head to the polls starting 9 April 2026. Citizens will elect 126 members to the Assam Legislative Assembly, with the votes scheduled to be counted and results announced on 4 May 2026.
The current assembly’s term ends on 20 May 2026. In the previous elections held in March-April 2021, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power by winning 75 of the 126 seats. Himanta Biswa Sarma continued as Chief Minister after the victory.
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Opposition bloc reshuffle
The political scene in Assam has seen significant changes since 2021. In August 2021, the Indian National Congress broke off its alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
This move effectively dissolved the opposition coalition known as ‘Mahajot,’ reshaping the electoral contest for 2026.
Voter demographics
According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 2,49,58,139 voters are eligible to participate in the 2026 Assam assembly elections.
Among them, 1,24,82,213 are male, 1,24,75,583 are female, and 343 voters identify as third gender.
As polling begins in Assam, we bring you live details of what’s happening in the North-Eastern state.
Also Read: Voting begins in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry; NDA eyes third term in Assam, Left fights to hold Kerala
Assam records 85.10 per cent voter turnout at 7:30 pm: ECI Data
High voter turnout marked the single-phase Assembly elections held on Thursday in Assam. According to the latest Election Commission data at 7.30 PM, Assam recorded 85.10 per cent polling across its 126 constituencies.
Assam’s top 5 districts by voter turnout
Assam recorded impressive voter participation in the 2026 Assembly elections, with some districts showing exceptionally high turnout.
Leading the pack is South Salmara Mankachar at 94.08%, followed closely by Barpeta at 91.92%, Bongaigaon at 91.77%, Goalpara at 91.34%, and Darrang at 90.91%.
Assam’s top 5 districts by voter turnout
Assam recorded impressive voter participation in the 2026 Assembly elections, with some districts showing exceptionally high turnout.
Leading the pack is South Salmara Mankachar at 94.08%, followed closely by Barpeta at 91.92%, Bongaigaon at 91.77%, Goalpara at 91.34%, and Darrang at 90.91%.
EVMs, VVPATs sealed after voting ends in Assam
Polling officials sealed Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPAT units after the conclusion of voting in the Assam Assembly elections. The process was carried out following standard election procedures once polling ended.
watch | Assam | Polling officials seal EVM and VVPAT on the conclusion of voting in Assam Assembly elections; Visuals from Jorhat. pic.twitter.com/nta2CcSJVp
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Assam records 75.9% voter turnout by 3pm
By late afternoon on Thursday, Assam continued with a robust turnout. By around 3 pm, Assam had recorded an encouraging 75.9% turnout, while Puducherry witnessed 72.4% voting.
A turnout above about 65–70% is generally treated as high, while figures in the 55–60% range are seen as average; turnouts below 50% are described as low.
Polling ends for Assam Assembly Elections 2026
The voting process for the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 officially ended on Friday, with polling stations closing at 5:00 pm. Voters who had reached the booths before the deadline were still allowed to cast their votes.
Officials said those standing in queues at closing time were permitted to exercise their franchise, following standard election guidelines.
Papon casts vote in Guwahati, suggests remote voting
Papon cast his vote at a polling booth in Guwahati. He encouraged people to take part in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote.
He also said that if remote voting becomes possible, more people could participate. According to him, many voters currently miss the chance to vote because they are away from their hometowns.
Hagrama Mohilary alleges violence in Tamulpur during polling
Hagrama Mohilary, chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council, alleged incidents of violence in Tamulpur during polling for the Assam Assembly elections. He raised concerns about the situation and said such developments should not occur during voting.
He called for strict action against those responsible and urged authorities to ensure accountability. He also asked officials to maintain law and order so that the polling process remains peaceful.
Probe ordered after polling station video surfaces in Karbi Anglong
The district administration in Karbi Anglong has taken notice of a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows the election process inside a polling station. Officials said the matter is being treated seriously. An FIR has been registered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
An inquiry has also been started to verify the facts and identify those responsible. The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer said that strict legal action will be taken if any violation of election rules is confirmed.
Himanta Biswa Sarma says family voted, urges ‘pehle matdan phir jalpan’
Himanta Biswa Sarma casts vote, urges people to participate
Himanta Biswa Sarma said he exercised his democratic right by casting his vote in the Assam Assembly elections. He shared that he voted for a strong, secure and prosperous Assam.
He also encouraged people to take part in the polling process and asked voters whether they had cast their votes yet.
Himanta Biswa Sarma hits out at 'bhagora' Pawan Khera
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP candidate from Jalukbari, took a swipe at the Congress while speaking in Kamrup. He questioned the relevance of the party and said he had not even heard about it, asking “Which Congress party?”
He also targeted Pawan Khera, calling him a “bhagora” (absconder) and said there was no need for him to respond.
watch | Kamrup: Assam CM and candidate from Jalukbari, Himanta Biswa Sarma, says, "Where is this Congress party? Which Congress party? I have not even heard about it. Who is Pawan Khera? He is a 'bhagora' (absconder). Why do I need to reply to him?..." pic.twitter.com/tE7Du9wcmU
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Himanta Biswa Sarma hits out at 'bhagora' Pawan Khera
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP candidate from Jalukbari, took a swipe at the Congress while speaking in Kamrup. He questioned the relevance of the party and said he had not even heard about it, asking “Which Congress party?”
He also targeted Pawan Khera, calling him a “bhagora” (absconder) and said there was no need for him to respond.
watch | Kamrup: Assam CM and candidate from Jalukbari, Himanta Biswa Sarma, says, "Where is this Congress party? Which Congress party? I have not even heard about it. Who is Pawan Khera? He is a 'bhagora' (absconder). Why do I need to reply to him?..." pic.twitter.com/tE7Du9wcmU
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Gaurav Gogoi casts vote in Jorhat, calls for ‘Natun Bor Axom’
Gaurav Gogoi said he cast his vote in Jorhat and expressed hope for a “Natun Bor Axom”, a new Assam that is strong, inclusive, and full of hope. He shared the message while encouraging people to take part in the voting process.
Garima Saikia Garg votes despite illness, seeks justice for Zubeen Garg
Garima Saikia Garg said she came out to vote even though she is not well and was discharged from hospital just a day earlier. She recalled that she earlier used to vote along with Zubeen Garg and said voting is everyone’s duty. She added that despite her health condition, she decided to cast her vote.
She also said that they are still fighting for justice related to Zubeen Garg and expressed hope that there would be a result soon.
CM visits Maa Kamakhya temple before voting
Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the revered Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on Thursday to offer prayers on the day of voting for the Assam Assembly elections. The Chief Minister, who is also the BJP candidate from Jalukbari, sought blessings before the polling process began.
He was accompanied by his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, and performed rituals at the temple. The shrine, located on the Nilachal Hills, holds strong religious importance, and political leaders often visit it before major events.
The Chief Minister also briefly interacted with priests during the visit.
Polling official found dead at booth in Assam’s Sonitpur
A polling official was found dead in Assam’s Sonitpur district during voting for the 2026 Assembly elections. The official, Deben Horo, 45, was working as the second polling officer in the Naduar constituency. He had been posted at polling station number 230 at Dolapani LP School.
Officials said he was found unresponsive in his bed in the morning. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The exact cause of his death has not been confirmed yet.
Himanta Biswa Sarma eyes sixth straight win in high-stakes Jalukbari
Jalukbari has once again become one of Assam’s most closely watched constituencies, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma aiming for a sixth consecutive victory. The seat, which Sarma has held since 2001, is seen as a major test of his political influence in Kamrup district.
Voting for Assam’s 126 Assembly constituencies began on Thursday in a single phase, with over 2.5 crore voters eligible and 722 candidates contesting. Sarma urged voters on X to participate actively, saying every vote and every voice matters in shaping a better Assam.
The Congress has fielded 34-year-old Bidisha Neog as a fresh challenger, focusing on local grievances and allegations of corruption. The party has also approached the Election Commission seeking cancellation of Sarma’s candidature over undisclosed family assets, charges the Chief Minister dismissed as political gimmicks.
International delegates visit Assam polling stations to witness 2026 elections
International delegates under the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) visited polling stations in Assam on Thursday to observe voters exercising their franchise for the 2026 Assembly elections. The delegation also took note of the careful planning and smooth management of the polls.
In a post on X, the Election Commission of India said the delegates appreciated the scale and organisation of the elections. “Chunav ka Parv, Assam ka Garv! International delegates under the International Election Visitors' Programme ievp are visiting polling stations in assam and witnessing the poll, the celebration of the Festival of Democracy. They appreciated the large-scale and meticulous organisation of the polls,” the ECI wrote.
Mallikarjun Kharge urges Assam voters to choose unity and development
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam are a crucial moment for the state. He highlighted that over the past decade, Assam’s unity has been strained and its resources exploited for political gain.
Kharge urged the people to reject politics of division and apathy, and use their votes to support unity, welfare, and real development. He particularly appealed to first-time voters to step forward and help restore Assam’s pride and future.
The change is palpable in Assam in this 2026 Assembly election.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 9, 2026
In the past 10 years, Assam’s unity has been deliberately weakened - its social fabric strained, its resources exploited, and false narratives spread for political gain.
Now is the time for the people of Assam to…
Rajnath Singh urges voters in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry to cast their votes
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, “Assembly elections are taking place in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. I request the people in these states and UT to vote in record numbers, especially young voters. Your vote will help bring good governance, prosperity, and peace to the regions going to polls today.”
Assembly Elections are taking place in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry. I request the people in these States and UT to vote in record numbers, particularly the young voters. Your vote will help in bringing good governance, prosperity and peace in the states/UT going to polls today.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 9, 2026
Amit Shah urges Assam voters to participate for peace and development
Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, “As Assam goes to vote today, I appeal to our sisters and brothers in the state to come out in large numbers and cast their votes to give a record-setting mandate to a government that will continue the era of peace and development. Your one vote will help ensure secure borders, progress, and the protection of your cultural heritage.”
As Assam goes to vote today, I appeal to our sisters and brothers in the state to come out in large numbers and vote to give a record-setting mandate to a government that will continue the era of peace and development. Your one vote will ensure secure borders, progress and the…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 9, 2026
Kiren Rijiju urges voters in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry to cast their votes
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju wrote, “Every vote matters! As Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry go to polls today, I urge all voters to come out in large numbers and cast their valuable votes to strengthen democratic values. Your vote is your right and your voice, let it shape India’s future.”
Every vote matters!
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 9, 2026
As Assam, Keralam & puducherry go to poll today, I urge all the voters to come out in large numbers & cast your valuable votes for strengthening the democratic values.
Your vote is your right and your voice, let it strengthen India's future. pic.twitter.com/njMYCkvk1V
BJP candidate Pradyut Bordoloi votes in Nagaon
watch | Nagaon, Assam: BJP candidate from Dispur assembly constituency, Pradyut Bordoloi, casts his vote for Assam Assembly Elections 2026 pic.twitter.com/gcViYjhBTa
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Priyanka Gandhi requests Assam voters to participate in democracy by voting
Priyanka Gandhi wrote, “My dear sisters of Assam, dear brothers! Today, actively participate in the grand festival of democracy. Vote for your state, your land, your culture, your civilization, and your bright future. You deserve a government that works solely for you and strengthens you. Jai Assam! Jai Congress!”
असम की मेरी प्यारी बहनों, प्यारे भाइयों!
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 9, 2026
आज लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में बढ़-चढ़कर हिस्सा लीजिए। अपने राज्य, अपनी जमीन, अपनी संस्कृति, अपनी सभ्यता और अपने उज्ज्वल भविष्य के लिए वोट कीजिए। आप एक ऐसी सरकार के हकदार हैं जो सिर्फ आपके लिए काम करे और आपको मजबूत करे।
जय असम! जय… pic.twitter.com/K2VVr5uJhQ
Assam CM calls on people to make their voices heard today
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X, saying that every vote matters in building a stronger Assam.
He encouraged everyone to take part in this democratic festival and vote in large numbers to boost democracy and the state’s progress.
Today, Assam votes and each voice matters, each vote matters in the path of building a better Assam.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 9, 2026
On the occasion of this festival of democracy, I urge everyone to come out and vote in large numbers to strengthen democracy and take Assam to new heights.assamelections2026 pic.twitter.com/ueAYgakH5j
PM Modi appeals to Assam voters as polling begins
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of Assam to turn out in large numbers for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections. In a tweet, he called on young men, women, and female voters to participate actively, hoping the election will become a “festival of democracy and civic duty."
২০২৬ চনৰ অসম বিধানসভা নিৰ্বাচনৰ ভোটদান প্ৰক্ৰিয়া আৰম্ভ হোৱাৰ পৰিপ্ৰেক্ষিতত, মই অসমৰ জনসাধাৰণক বিপুল সংখ্যাত নিজৰ ভোটাধিকাৰ সাব্যস্ত কৰিবলৈ আহ্বান জনাইছো। মই আশা কৰো যে ৰাজ্যখনৰ যুৱক-যুৱতী আৰু মহিলা ভোটাৰসকলে উৎসাহেৰে অংশগ্ৰহণ কৰি এই নিৰ্বাচনক গণতন্ত্ৰ আৰু নাগৰিক কৰ্তব্যৰ এক উৎসৱ…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026
PM Modi appeals to Assam voters as polling begins
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of Assam to turn out in large numbers for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections. In a tweet, he called on young men, women, and female voters to participate actively, hoping the election will become a “festival of democracy and civic duty."
২০২৬ চনৰ অসম বিধানসভা নিৰ্বাচনৰ ভোটদান প্ৰক্ৰিয়া আৰম্ভ হোৱাৰ পৰিপ্ৰেক্ষিতত, মই অসমৰ জনসাধাৰণক বিপুল সংখ্যাত নিজৰ ভোটাধিকাৰ সাব্যস্ত কৰিবলৈ আহ্বান জনাইছো। মই আশা কৰো যে ৰাজ্যখনৰ যুৱক-যুৱতী আৰু মহিলা ভোটাৰসকলে উৎসাহেৰে অংশগ্ৰহণ কৰি এই নিৰ্বাচনক গণতন্ত্ৰ আৰু নাগৰিক কৰ্তব্যৰ এক উৎসৱ…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026