The Assam assembly elections concluded in a single phase on April 9, with a voter turnout exceeding 85 percent, marking one of the highest participation rates in recent years. This crucial contest sees the Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, striving for a third consecutive term in office. Meanwhile, the Congress party, spearheaded by Gaurav Gogoi—son of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and currently the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha—has mounted a determined effort to reclaim lost ground in the state.
When and Where to Watch
Early trends are expected to emerge from 8 AM on May 4, as counting commences across all 126 constituencies in Assam. Real-time data will be accessible on the Election Commission’s official website, along with live updates, in-depth analysis, and seat counts provided by The Times of India.
What Exit Polls Predict
Exit polls released on Wednesday evening for the closely watched Assam contest indicate a clear majority for the incumbent government under Himanta Biswa Sarma. Most polling agencies project the BJP to secure a third consecutive term in the tea-producing state. The forecasts place the Congress in a weaker position, offering little boost to Gaurav Gogoi’s campaign. Overall, estimates from various agencies suggest a comfortable victory for the BJP-led alliance, pointing to a likely third straight term for the party.
How Counting Is Conducted
The counting process is carried out in an organized and closely supervised manner. It begins with the tallying of postal ballots, followed by votes recorded in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). For each constituency, counting occurs in multiple rounds, with updates released after every round. Once all rounds are completed and verified, the returning officer announces the final result. Security at counting centers is stringent, with strong rooms under constant surveillance and entry restricted to authorized personnel and candidate representatives. While EVMs enable quicker vote tabulation, the need for verification and round-by-round counting ensures the process extends throughout the day.
