Ahead of the counting process, political circles were abuzz over whether the BJP-led NDA would secure a third consecutive term or if the Congress could stage a comeback after an intense campaign dominated by debates on identity politics, welfare measures and regional priorities.
Assam elections: Key candidates
Of the total candidates in the fray, 59 are women. Party-wise, the Congress fielded the largest number with 99 nominees, followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF put up 30 candidates, while NDA partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF) fielded 26 and 11 candidates, respectively.
Also read | EC bars victory rallies in West Bengal after election results announcementWithin the opposition bloc, Raijor Dal contested 13 seats, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) 10, CPI(M) three, and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference two.
Other players include the Aam Aadmi Party and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), contesting 18 seats each, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) with 22 candidates, and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with 16. Additionally, 258 candidates are contesting as Independents.
Prominent figures whose electoral prospects are being determined include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal leader and MP Akhil Gogoi, and AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi. Several senior ministers are also in the race, including AGP leaders Atul Bora and Keshav Mahanta, along with BPF’s Charan Boro.
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The ruling coalition, led by the BJP, includes key allies such as the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodo Peoples’ Front. On the other side, the opposition alliance comprises the Congress, Raijor Dal, AJP, CPI(M), All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) and CPI(ML).
In the outgoing assembly, the BJP holds 64 seats. Among its allies, the AGP has nine legislators, the UPPL seven, and the BPF—having rejoined the alliance — has three members.
Within the opposition ranks, the Congress accounts for 26 MLAs, the AIUDF has 15, and CPI(M) has one legislator, along with a lone Independent member.
Assam assembly elections: Key constituencies
Jalukbari remains one of Assam’s most prominent constituencies, represented by Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Kamrup Metropolitan district under the Gauhati Lok Sabha seat. Encompassing parts of Guwahati, the constituency is known for its connectivity and concentration of educational institutions. In 2021, Sarma recorded a landslide victory, securing over 73% of the vote and defeating Congress candidate Romen Chandra Borthakur by a wide margin.
Sivasagar presents a distinct political narrative, currently represented by Akhil Gogoi. His 2021 win over BJP’s Surabhi Rajkonwari brought the constituency firmly into the limelight, making it a closely watched battleground.
Bokakhat, now falling under the Kaziranga parliamentary constituency, continues to be a traditional base for the Asom Gana Parishad. Atul Bora registered a comfortable win in 2021, although evolving political equations could influence the outcome this time.
Dispur, situated in the core of Assam’s capital region, is a key urban constituency. The shift of Pradyut Bordoloi from Congress to the BJP has added a fresh layer of interest to the contest. The BJP has maintained dominance here, with Atul Bora securing convincing wins in both 2016 and 2021.
Golaghat, which is now part of the Kaziranga Lok Sabha seat following delimitation, remains significant for the BJP. Ajanta Neog emerged victorious here in 2021 with a strong margin, though the Congress continues to mount a challenge.
Jorhat continues to be a tightly contested seat, with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi being a key figure associated with the constituency. In 2021, BJP’s Hitendra Nath Goswami retained the seat, narrowly defeating Congress candidate Rana Goswami.
Nazira, located in Sivasagar district, remains a Congress bastion represented by Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia. The constituency carries historical importance, having previously been represented by his family, including former chief minister Hiteswar Saikia. In 2021, Saikia secured victory by a slender margin, making it a crucial seat to watch again.
Kaliabor, reconfigured after the 2023 delimitation exercise, is another significant constituency. AGP’s Keshab Mahanta achieved a decisive win in 2021, but the Congress continues to be a formidable contender there.
