Polling for the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 began at 7 am amid tight security and voter-friendly arrangements, with voting scheduled to conclude at 6 pm. Over 2.5 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 31,490 polling stations, making this one of the most closely watched state elections of the year.
Key Contenders and Alliances
The 126-member Assembly sees a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. The NDA includes the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and regional allies, while the opposition bloc comprises Congress, AIUDF, Raijor Dal, and other smaller parties.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking a third consecutive term, while Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, aims to reclaim power in a state it previously controlled. Sarma is contesting from Jalukbari, aiming for his sixth straight win, whereas Gogoi is making his Assembly debut from Jorhat, the constituency he represents as a Lok Sabha MP.
Campaign Issues and Controversies
The Assam Assembly Elections 2026 have been dominated by debates over illegal immigration, identity politics, and governance issues. Opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged voter disenfranchisement linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Also read : Assam Assembly Election 2026: Single-Phase Voting on April 9; Check Full Schedule and Key Details
Adding to the political intensity, the Congress has targeted the government over a controversy involving Sarma’s wife and a purported “fake passport” case. Multi-cornered contests are also expected in several constituencies due to the presence of AIUDF, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad candidates.
Historical Context and Stakes
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP-led NDA won 76 seats, while the Congress-led Mahajot secured 49 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 60 seats, followed by Congress with 29. Analysts predict that the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 could again hinge on key constituencies like Jalukbari, Jorhat, and several urban seats where voter sentiment may shift.
With 722 candidates in the fray, security and fair polling remain a top priority. Authorities have deployed extensive monitoring, including webcasting and strict supervision at sensitive booths, to ensure a free and fair election.
The results of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 are expected to be announced on May 4, and the outcome will have major implications for both state and national politics.