Voting for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam is taking place today. Polling began at 7:00 AM and will continue until 5:00 PM. Across the state, people are casting their votes at 31,490 polling stations established across 35 districts. A total of 25 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this election, including approximately 12.5 million women and 318 third-gender voters. This time, a total of 722 candidates are trying their luck in the electoral fray. Prominent figures such as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal are among the key candidates. Congress party has fielded the highest number of candidates 99 while the BJP is contesting on 90 seats. In terms of political parties, the Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates—99—while the BJP is contesting on 90 seats. The AIUDF is in the fray on 30 seats. Meanwhile, NDA ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is contesting on 26 seats, and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) is contesting on 11 seats. On the other hand, the Raijor Dal is contesting on 13 seats, the Assam Jatiya Parishad on 10 seats, the CPI(M) on 3 seats, and the APHLC on 2 seats. Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party is contesting on 18 seats, the UPPL on 18 seats, the Trinamool Congress on 22 seats, and the JMM on 16 seats. Also included in this race are 258 independent candidates. Immense enthusiasm is being witnessed among the public regarding the voting process. By 9:00 AM, a voter turnout of 17.87% was recorded in Assam, which is higher than that of Kerala (16.23%) and Puducherry (17.41%). Long queues were observed at several polling stations right from the morning. Notably, tremendous enthusiasm is evident among women and young first-time voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the people of Assam to cast their votes in large numbers. PM Modi appeals to the people of Assam to cast their votes in large numbers Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma performed prayers at his residence before casting his vote, seeking blessings for the state’s bright future. Sharing a video on social media, he wrote that, strengthened by the trust of the people, he remains fully committed to building a better Assam. Concurrently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed to the people of Assam to step out in large numbers and exercise their franchise. He emphasized that every single vote is crucial and serves to strengthen democracy. He specifically urged the youth and women to participate in the elections with full enthusiasm, describing the entire process as a celebration of democracy. Voting is currently underway in Assam amidst a peaceful and spirited atmosphere, and the active participation of the people is truly making this election a truly special event. Post navigation Congress Changes Strategy Before Bengal Elections, New Faces in 7 Seats