Guwahati: The voter turnout in Assam’s assembly elections further climbed on Saturday, reaching close to 86% with EC’s last update.This marks the highest turnout in the state’s history, surpassing the previous highs of 84.67% in 2016 and 82.04% in 2021.Speaking to media after his visit to the Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said “all sanatani people have en masse voted for NDA”, reiteating that NDA will form its govt for the third time. “We will secure between 90 and 100 seats in the state this time,” he added.Sarma said he will be campaigning in West Bengal from Apr 15. “We are putting a tough fight in West Bengal and we are hoping we will win. Feedbacks are absolutely positive,” Sarma told the media.The voter turnout surge when compared with that during 2021 elections was not uniform across regions. The sharpest rise in turnout has been recorded in central Assam. Though it has fewer seats than lower Assam or upper Assam, the surge here is politically significant.Lower Assam, excluding the The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), has the largest seat share in the state. A 4 point rise here carries the biggest numerical impact, potentially deciding the overall balance of power.The Bodoland Territorial Region’s turnout growth is notable. With 15 seats, even a moderate rise here can influence coalition arithmetic. The 4 point increase suggests consolidation of local political forces.North Bank recorded a moderate growth. upper Assam, despite having the second highest seat count, recorded the lowest growth in turnout. The Hills districts having a small seat share also recorded the lowest growth, same as upper Assam.The Muslim belt, comprising the 10 Muslim-majority districts, recorded an average turnout rise of 4.7 points over 2021.Sribhumi district is the standout, with the sharpest rise, followed by Darrang district and Morigaon district. Barpeta adds to this cluster.Bongaigaon and Dhubri also posted solid gains. Dhubri district, with its large electorate, makes this increase particularly impactful. Nagaon district’s rise is important because it is a politically sensitive district with a sizeable Muslim population.By contrast, Goalpara and South Salmara districts showed moderate growth and Hailakandi district was virtually stagnant.
