Assam Records 85.13% Voter Turnout Amid Rain, Rural Areas Lead Participation

Grey, rain-soaked skies marked polling day across Assam on April 9, but adverse weather failed to dampen voter enthusiasm, with large numbers turning out across the state.

Voting officially ended at 5 pm, though long queues continued at several polling stations into the evening. The Election Commission of India reported a strong 85.13% turnout by 6 pm, surpassing the 82.04% recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections.

Several constituencies in lower and central Assam recorded exceptionally high participation, with Dalgaon (94.57%), Srijangram (94.33%), Jaleshwar (94.31%), and Mankachar (94.08%) leading the tally. Regions such as Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, and the Darrang–Morigaon belt consistently crossed the 90% mark.

In contrast, Guwahati constituencies saw lower turnout, with areas like Dispur (73.98%) and New Guwahati (71.27%) trailing, highlighting a clear rural-urban voting divide.

Polling picked up steadily through the day, reaching 59.63% by 1 pm. Voters cited development, governance, and employment as key issues, while many described voting as a civic duty. Polling stations also saw a festive atmosphere with accessibility arrangements for elderly and differently-abled voters.

The election remained largely peaceful, with minor incidents of violence and EVM glitches quickly resolved. One polling official died on duty in Sonitpur, and a few clashes were reported in Golaghat, Tamulpur, and Sivasagar, leading to nine arrests.

Overall, the large-scale exercise across 126 constituencies, involving over 2.49 crore voters and 722 candidates, witnessed smooth conduct and high public participation.