The single-phase Assembly elections held in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry concluded on Thursday (Apr 9). And data shows high voter turnout with over 5.31 crores&nbsp;eligible voters. In a statement, Press Information Bureau (PIB) stated that the “Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr SS Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi kept a close watch on the polling through live webcasting, which was ensured in&nbsp;100% of the polling stations&nbsp;for the&nbsp;first time&nbsp;in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.”&nbsp;Adding, “A total of 296 Assembly Constituencies (ACs)&nbsp;in the States of Assam and Kerala and the UT of Puducherry with a total electorate of&nbsp;over 5.31 crores&nbsp;went to polls today.” The voting concluded with a large number of people casting their ballots. Counting for all regions is scheduled for May 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;The high-stakes battle saw the LDF, UDF, and NDA lock horns in Kerala, while Assam witnessed a fierce contest between the BJP-led alliance and the Congress-led 'United Opposition'. In Puducherry, the AINRC-BJP coalition faces a spirited challenge from the INDIA bloc. Congress-led 'United Opposition': Formally known in this cycle as the Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASM), it is a 16-party alliance led by Gaurav Gogoi’s Congress to prevent the splitting of anti-BJP votes.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-beef-consumption-kunki-choudhury-1775655063373">Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says beef consumption should be private, not public</a>&nbsp;<h2>State-by-State Breakdown</h2>Kerala: 140 Seats | 883 Candidates Kerala sees a massive turnout of women voters, who outnumber men by over 7 lakh. The state has focused heavily on logistical readiness to manage its 2.6 crore electors. Total Voters: 2.69 Crore Demographic Highlight: 1.38 Crore Women | 1.31 Crore Men | 277 Third Gender Logistics: 30,471 polling stations and 41 counting centres Inclusion: Over 2 lakh voters are aged 85+, with 4.2 lakh first-time voters (18-19 age group).&nbsp;Assam: 126 Seats | 722 Candidates Assam is leveraging technology to ensure transparency, with 100% webcasting enabled across its polling stations. Total Voters: 2.5 Crore Personnel: Over 1.5 lakh polling staff deployed Infrastructure: 31,490 polling stations equipped with 43,997 VVPAT machines Special Focus: 2.05 lakh voters are Persons with Disabilities (PwD), supported by dedicated accessibility measures.&nbsp;Puducherry: 30 Seats The Union Territory is prioritising security, especially in zones marked as "vulnerable," to ensure a smooth transition for its 10 lakh+ electors. Total Voters: 10.14 Lakh Security: 110 sector officers monitoring 1,099 stations; 209 stations identified as vulnerable. Youth Participation: Over 24,000 voters are in the 18-19 age bracket.&nbsp;

Assembly Elections 2026 conclude with record-breaking voter turnout in Assam (85.38%) and Puducherry (89.83%), while Kerala records 78.03%. Counting on May 4.

The single-phase Assembly elections held in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry concluded on Thursday (Apr 9). And data shows high voter turnout with over 5.31 crores eligible voters. In a statement, Press Information Bureau (PIB) stated that the “Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr SS Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi kept a close watch on the polling through live webcasting, which was ensured in 100% of the polling stations for the first time in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.” Adding, “A total of 296 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in the States of Assam and Kerala and the UT of Puducherry with a total electorate of over 5.31 crores went to polls today.” The voting concluded with a large number of people casting their ballots. Counting for all regions is scheduled for May 4. The high-stakes battle saw the LDF, UDF, and NDA lock horns in Kerala, while Assam witnessed a fierce contest between the BJP-led alliance and the Congress-led 'United Opposition'. In Puducherry, the AINRC-BJP coalition faces a spirited challenge from the INDIA bloc. Congress-led 'United Opposition': Formally known in this cycle as the Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASM), it is a 16-party alliance led by Gaurav Gogoi’s Congress to prevent the splitting of anti-BJP votes. Also read: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says beef consumption should be private, not public State-by-State Breakdown Kerala: 140 Seats | 883 Candidates Kerala sees a massive turnout of women voters, who outnumber men by over 7 lakh. The state has focused heavily on logistical readiness to manage its 2.6 crore electors. Total Voters: 2.69 Crore Demographic Highlight: 1.38 Crore Women | 1.31 Crore Men | 277 Third Gender Logistics: 30,471 polling stations and 41 counting centres Inclusion: Over 2 lakh voters are aged 85+, with 4.2 lakh first-time voters (18-19 age group). Assam: 126 Seats | 722 Candidates Assam is leveraging technology to ensure transparency, with 100% webcasting enabled across its polling stations. Total Voters: 2.5 Crore Personnel: Over 1.5 lakh polling staff deployed Infrastructure: 31,490 polling stations equipped with 43,997 VVPAT machines Special Focus: 2.05 lakh voters are Persons with Disabilities (PwD), supported by dedicated accessibility measures. Puducherry: 30 Seats The Union Territory is prioritising security, especially in zones marked as "vulnerable," to ensure a smooth transition for its 10 lakh+ electors. Total Voters: 10.14 Lakh Security: 110 sector officers monitoring 1,099 stations; 209 stations identified as vulnerable. Youth Participation: Over 24,000 voters are in the 18-19 age bracket.

Assembly Elections 2026 conclude with record-breaking voter turnout in Assam (85.38%) and Puducherry (89.83%), while Kerala records 78.03%. Counting on May 4.

Fate sealed: Over 4.3 crore voters turnout as Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry conclude single-phase polling

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (April 07) alleged that Congress leader Pawan Khera fled to Hyderabad from New Delhi after Assam Police conducted searches at his residence in the national capital, amid the ongoing controversy over the passport row. "He ran away from Guwahati yesterday. I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course," CM Sarma was quoted as saying by ANI. The searches came after an FIR was lodged by Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, on Monday in connection with Congress's claims that she holds three passports. Assam Police subsequently searched Khera's Delhi residence in connection with the matter. Earlier, addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Monday, CM Sarma had vowed to take "stringent action" against Khera. "I will take stringent action against Congress leader Pawan Khera. Just wait for a few days. We will win at least 100 seats in the elections," Sarma said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-whole-civilisation-will-die-tonight-pezeshkian-says-14-million-ready-to-sacrifice-1775565468333">Trump warns Iran ‘whole civilisation will die tonight’; Pezeshkian says 14 million ready to sacrifice</a>&nbsp;Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh hit back on Tuesday, terming Sarma "disturbed, desperate, and rattled" following the Assam Police team's arrival at Khera's Delhi residence. Ramesh condemned the "deployment" of police officials outside Khera's residence, calling it a "witch hunt" by a "bully" using state machinery to silence the Opposition. "The deployment of a full army of police officials to arrest my colleague Pawan Khera for asking basic questions in the public interest proves that the Assam CM is disturbed, desperate, and rattled. This is not due process but instead a witch hunt, a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the Opposition that is exposing his many black deeds. Those who intimidate are the ones who are afraid and have much to hide. It also proves that the CM is facing imminent defeat," Ramesh wrote on X.

The searches at Khera's home came after an FIR was lodged by Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, on Monday in connection with Congress's claims that she holds three passports. Assam Police subsequently searched Khera's Delhi residence in connection with the matter.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (April 07) alleged that Congress leader Pawan Khera fled to Hyderabad from New Delhi after Assam Police conducted searches at his residence in the national capital, amid the ongoing controversy over the passport row. "He ran away from Guwahati yesterday. I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course," CM Sarma was quoted as saying by ANI. The searches came after an FIR was lodged by Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, on Monday in connection with Congress's claims that she holds three passports. Assam Police subsequently searched Khera's Delhi residence in connection with the matter. Earlier, addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Monday, CM Sarma had vowed to take "stringent action" against Khera. "I will take stringent action against Congress leader Pawan Khera. Just wait for a few days. We will win at least 100 seats in the elections," Sarma said. Also Read: Trump warns Iran ‘whole civilisation will die tonight’; Pezeshkian says 14 million ready to sacrifice Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh hit back on Tuesday, terming Sarma "disturbed, desperate, and rattled" following the Assam Police team's arrival at Khera's Delhi residence. Ramesh condemned the "deployment" of police officials outside Khera's residence, calling it a "witch hunt" by a "bully" using state machinery to silence the Opposition. "The deployment of a full army of police officials to arrest my colleague Pawan Khera for asking basic questions in the public interest proves that the Assam CM is disturbed, desperate, and rattled. This is not due process but instead a witch hunt, a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the Opposition that is exposing his many black deeds. Those who intimidate are the ones who are afraid and have much to hide. It also proves that the CM is facing imminent defeat," Ramesh wrote on X.

The searches at Khera's home came after an FIR was lodged by Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, on Monday in connection with Congress's claims that she holds three passports. Assam Police subsequently searched Khera's Delhi residence in connection with the matter.

Assam CM Sarma alleges Pawan Khera 'ran away' to Hyderabad amid passport row

As Assam is set to vote in the Assembly Election 2026 on April 9, Jalukbari constituency has once again emerged as one of the most closely watched constituencies, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will face an unexpected challenge from Congress debutant Bidisha Neog. The contest reflects a classic face-off of experience versus emergence. While Sarma is a three-time MLA, Neog is a newcomer who joined the party just a year earlier.Despite limited experience, Neog has relied heavily on grassroots campaigning. Her strategy includes door-to-door outreach, small meetings, and direct engagement with voters at local gatherings. She has framed her campaign around inclusivity and a vision of a unified Assam, inspired by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. “I am not scared to fight Himanta Biswa Sarma,” Neog told NDTV.<h2>BJP stronghold in Jalukbari</h2>Jalukbari, which is located in the Kamrup district, has long been considered a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party dominance. Sarma has represented the constituency since 2001, steadily strengthening his political base over the past two decades.Confident of another victory in the constituency, Sarma has downplayed the challenge, citing strong support from voters in the last elections in 2021 when he defeated Congress candidate Romen Chandra Borthakur by a margin exceeding one lakh votes. “I don’t even know who the opposition has fielded in Jalukbari. BJP workers are campaigning on my behalf. Last time, 74 per cent voted for me. This time I expect 85-90 per cent.”<h2>What to know about Jalukbari constituency</h2>Located in Kamrup district, Jalukbari is a mix of urban and semi-urban voters, making it politically significant. Following the 2023 delimitation, the constituency now has over 2.1 lakh voters and 247 polling stations. Apart from Sarma and Neog, independent candidate Dipika Das is also contesting.Key questions remain: will Jalukbari stay loyal, or could a new political narrative emerge?

In Jalukbari Constituency, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma faces Congress newcomer Bidisha Neog in a high-stakes battle of experience vs fresh challenge.

As Assam is set to vote in the Assembly Election 2026 on April 9, Jalukbari constituency has once again emerged as one of the most closely watched constituencies, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will face an unexpected challenge from Congress debutant Bidisha Neog. The contest reflects a classic face-off of experience versus emergence. While Sarma is a three-time MLA, Neog is a newcomer who joined the party just a year earlier. Despite limited experience, Neog has relied heavily on grassroots campaigning. Her strategy includes door-to-door outreach, small meetings, and direct engagement with voters at local gatherings. She has framed her campaign around inclusivity and a vision of a unified Assam, inspired by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. “I am not scared to fight Himanta Biswa Sarma,” Neog told NDTV. BJP stronghold in Jalukbari Jalukbari, which is located in the Kamrup district, has long been considered a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party dominance. Sarma has represented the constituency since 2001, steadily strengthening his political base over the past two decades. Confident of another victory in the constituency, Sarma has downplayed the challenge, citing strong support from voters in the last elections in 2021 when he defeated Congress candidate Romen Chandra Borthakur by a margin exceeding one lakh votes. “I don’t even know who the opposition has fielded in Jalukbari. BJP workers are campaigning on my behalf. Last time, 74 per cent voted for me. This time I expect 85-90 per cent.” What to know about Jalukbari constituency Located in Kamrup district, Jalukbari is a mix of urban and semi-urban voters, making it politically significant. Following the 2023 delimitation, the constituency now has over 2.1 lakh voters and 247 polling stations. Apart from Sarma and Neog, independent candidate Dipika Das is also contesting. Key questions remain: will Jalukbari stay loyal, or could a new political narrative emerge?

In Jalukbari Constituency, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma faces Congress newcomer Bidisha Neog in a high-stakes battle of experience vs fresh challenge.

Bidisha Neog vs Himanta Biswa Sarma: Can Congress rookie shake BJP veteran’s stronghold in Jalukbari Assembly Elections 2026?

The Election Commission of India on Monday (Apr 6) announced that starting 5:00 PM on April 7, 2026 the Silent Period for the General Election to the Assam Legislative Assembly will commence. This would mark the 48 hours before the close of polling across all constituencies. Here's what political parties can or cannot do.<h2>Assam Legislative Assembly Silent Period begins</h2>The Silent Period for Assam Legislative Assembly general elections will begin at 1700hrs on Tuesday (Apr 7). Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, once the Silent Period is in force, all forms of election campaigning will be strictly prohibited. This includes any and all public meetings, processions, rallies, and any campaign-related activities.Additionally, the ECI has prohibited the dissemination of campaign-related content through electronic and social media platforms. Canvassing for votes via bulk SMS, phone calls, or online platforms will also not be allowed.Political functionaries and party workers brought in from other constituencies, who are not registered voters in the area, have been instructed to leave immediately after the campaign period ends. The district and police administrations have been directed to ensure compliance in order to maintain a free and fair electoral environment.Under Section 126(1)(b) of the Act, the display of election-related content, including opinion polls and survey results, on electronic media such as television and similar platforms is strictly prohibited during the silence period.Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, Anurag Goel, has called on all candidates, political parties and media organisations to strictly follow these guidelines, warning that any violation will attract penal action under the relevant legal provisions.&nbsp;<h2>When will Assam vote?</h2>Assam will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

The Election Commission of India has announced a 48-hour “Silent Period” before polling, banning rallies, ads and even social media campaigning in Assam. What exactly is allowed and what’s not?

Scroll down to read more.

The Election Commission of India on Monday (Apr 6) announced that starting 5:00 PM on April 7, 2026 the Silent Period for the General Election to the Assam Legislative Assembly will commence. This would mark the 48 hours before the close of polling across all constituencies. Here's what political parties can or cannot do. Assam Legislative Assembly Silent Period begins The Silent Period for Assam Legislative Assembly general elections will begin at 1700hrs on Tuesday (Apr 7). Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, once the Silent Period is in force, all forms of election campaigning will be strictly prohibited. This includes any and all public meetings, processions, rallies, and any campaign-related activities. Additionally, the ECI has prohibited the dissemination of campaign-related content through electronic and social media platforms. Canvassing for votes via bulk SMS, phone calls, or online platforms will also not be allowed. Political functionaries and party workers brought in from other constituencies, who are not registered voters in the area, have been instructed to leave immediately after the campaign period ends. The district and police administrations have been directed to ensure compliance in order to maintain a free and fair electoral environment. Under Section 126(1)(b) of the Act, the display of election-related content, including opinion polls and survey results, on electronic media such as television and similar platforms is strictly prohibited during the silence period. Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, Anurag Goel, has called on all candidates, political parties and media organisations to strictly follow these guidelines, warning that any violation will attract penal action under the relevant legal provisions. When will Assam vote? Assam will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

The Election Commission of India has announced a 48-hour “Silent Period” before polling, banning rallies, ads and even social media campaigning in Assam. What exactly is allowed and what’s not?Scroll down to read more.

Assam assembly elections 2026 | ECI announces 48-hour ‘silent period’: What parties can and cannot do

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (Apr 6) accused the Congress of launching a “foreign-influenced misinformation campaign” against him and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma ahead of the Assembly elections on April 9. Addressing apress conference, Sharma said that the “serious allegations” made by Pawan Khera had Pakistani links after the Congress leader claimed that his wife has multiple passports.On Sunday (Apr 5), Khera alleged that the chief minister’s wife holds passports of three countries, including two Islamic nations, owns a luxury property in Dubai, and has investments worth millions in Wyoming, United States.Sarma told reporters that his wife has filed an FIR with the Crime Branch of Assam police against Khera. He added that the Congress leader relied on “fraud and fabricated” documents accessed from a Pakistani social media group to target him and his wife.“During our research, we found that the entire material of yesterday’s [April 5, 2026] press conference was supplied from a Pakistani social media group. In the last 10 days, [a] Pakistan channel did at least 11 talk shows on Assam elections, which never happened earlier. And in every talk show, the conclusion is that Congress should win,” Sarma said, alleging that Pakistan is trying to influence the upcoming polls in the state.He added that Khera and his team used Photoshop to forge the original documents. “They missed out details in the process, thus getting exposed,” he said.“A simple Google reverse search with the passport number provides the exact details. Making allegations with fabricated documents to influence the result or outcome of an election attracts a higher penal provision, and the punishment for which is life imprisonment,” he added.Sarma said the Congress had revealed its true character by resorting to such tactics, adding that he never imagined that former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s son, Assam Congress chief and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, would go to such lengths to defame him.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress of a Pakistan-linked smear campaign over claims about his wife possessing three passports ahead of Assam polls.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (Apr 6) accused the Congress of launching a “foreign-influenced misinformation campaign” against him and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma ahead of the Assembly elections on April 9. Addressing apress conference, Sharma said that the “serious allegations” made by Pawan Khera had Pakistani links after the Congress leader claimed that his wife has multiple passports. On Sunday (Apr 5), Khera alleged that the chief minister’s wife holds passports of three countries, including two Islamic nations, owns a luxury property in Dubai, and has investments worth millions in Wyoming, United States. Sarma told reporters that his wife has filed an FIR with the Crime Branch of Assam police against Khera. He added that the Congress leader relied on “fraud and fabricated” documents accessed from a Pakistani social media group to target him and his wife. “During our research, we found that the entire material of yesterday’s [April 5, 2026] press conference was supplied from a Pakistani social media group. In the last 10 days, [a] Pakistan channel did at least 11 talk shows on Assam elections, which never happened earlier. And in every talk show, the conclusion is that Congress should win,” Sarma said, alleging that Pakistan is trying to influence the upcoming polls in the state. He added that Khera and his team used Photoshop to forge the original documents. “They missed out details in the process, thus getting exposed,” he said. “A simple Google reverse search with the passport number provides the exact details. Making allegations with fabricated documents to influence the result or outcome of an election attracts a higher penal provision, and the punishment for which is life imprisonment,” he added. Sarma said the Congress had revealed its true character by resorting to such tactics, adding that he never imagined that former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s son, Assam Congress chief and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, would go to such lengths to defame him.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress of a Pakistan-linked smear campaign over claims about his wife possessing three passports ahead of Assam polls.

Pakistan trying to influence upcoming Assam polls? CM Himanta makes EXPLOSIVE claim

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday rejected the allegations levelled by Congress leader Pawan Khera on his family’s assets and financial dealings and announced that he will sue him in the next 48 hours for spreading false narratives. Sarma said that he and his wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma will file criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera within 48 hours.Khera held a press conference earlier on Sunday and raised questions about alleged foreign properties and financial links of Sarma’s wife and demanded an investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Busting Congress’ propaganda — serious discrepancies exposed. The documents being circulated show multiple glaring inconsistencies, suggesting a crude and poorly executed attempt at digital manipulation: 1️⃣ Surname mismatch — “SARMA” used instead of the official “SHARMA” 2️⃣… <a href="https://t.co/rZ1Xrp6i4g">https://t.co/rZ1Xrp6i4g</a>&mdash; Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/2040730279279817133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-can-t-buy-oil-without-trump-s-permission-pm-is-compromised-says-rahul-gandhi-1775386849478">‘India can’t buy oil without Trump’s permission, PM is compromised,’ says Rahul Gandhi</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;In a post on X, Sarma strongly rejected all allegations and accused the Congress of spreading false narratives.“Today’s press conference by Pawan Khera reflects the deep frustration and panic within the Congress party. As Assam moves decisively towards a historic mandate, such desperate and baseless attacks only expose their sinking ground,” Sarma said.Once the truth is established in a court of law, Shri Pawan Khera will face the consequences of his actions, and the law will take its due course, the Assam CM added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-warns-of-striking-kolkata-in-future-conflict-with-india-1775326150284">Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif warns of striking Kolkata in future conflict with India</a>&nbsp;Khera made a series of allegations and questioned the issue of multiple passports and suggested possible violations of law.He alleged that Sarma’s wife holds 3 passports and asked what the need was for it and if Himanta also has more passports and whether he is preparing to flee after losing the election.&nbsp;“Himanta Biswa Sarma has kept his money in shell companies set up in Wyoming. Why Wyoming? Because there’s no tax here… It’s a well-known place where people's properties are hidden away,” Khera alleged. He also claimed that the information had been verified before being made public.“Himanta should explain how he earned 52,000 crore rupees,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-its-new-air-defence-system-helped-down-us-jets-was-it-majid-verba-or-hq-9b-1775318968899">Iran says its new air defence system helped down US jets. Was it Majid, Verba or HQ-9B?</a>&nbsp;Khera also alleged that Sarma’s wife has properties in Dubai and asked, “Why didn’t Himanta disclose his wife's Dubai properties in the affidavit?”Khera urged authorities to take action and sought responses from the central leadership, asking Home Minister Amit Shah if he will set up an SIT to investigate the matter.

Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife holds 3 passports and asked what the need was for it and if Himanta also has more passports and whether he is preparing to flee after losing the election.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday rejected the allegations levelled by Congress leader Pawan Khera on his family’s assets and financial dealings and announced that he will sue him in the next 48 hours for spreading false narratives. Sarma said that he and his wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma will file criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera within 48 hours. Khera held a press conference earlier on Sunday and raised questions about alleged foreign properties and financial links of Sarma’s wife and demanded an investigation.

Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife holds 3 passports and asked what the need was for it and if Himanta also has more passports and whether he is preparing to flee after losing the election.

CM Himanta rejects Cong’s allegations, vows to file defamation suit against Pawan Khera

The General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Assam is scheduled to be held on April 9, 2026. Roughly 2.5 crore voters will poll in one phase, and the results will be declared on May 4 to decide the fate of a total of 722 candidates. Indian National Congress fielded the highest number of candidates, 99, followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, 90. The voting will take place for 126 seats across 31,486 polling stations.&nbsp;<h2>Stronghold of the BJP and the Congress</h2>In 2021 BJP won 60 seats with 33.21 per cent of the votes, and the Congress won 29 seats with a vote share of 29.67 per cent. The urban centres of upper Assam, like Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo was the stronghold of the BJP. It won 10 out of the 12 seats in these three districts. Following the 2023 delimitation exercise, the total number of seats increased to 14 across these three districts.BJP performed well in the hill areas; it secured all five seats in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. BJP also did exceptionally well in the Central Assam area, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, and Dhemaji, which consisted of 17 seats, of which the BJP won 14. In fact, the tea tribes belt of Upper Assam, Central Assam and Barak Valley was key to securing the second consecutive victory for BJP led NDA alliance, winning 33 out of the 40 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;Congress, on the other hand, found success in the lower Assam minority belt districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, and Barpeta, the Central Assam minority belt Nagaon, Marigaon and Hoja and the Barak Valley in Karimganj and Hailakandi. Congress won 20 out of the 46 seats in the minority belt, whereas its alliance AIUDF won 16. Congress won a total of 29 seats, 25 of which were held by minority candidates. Following the 2023 delimitation, the total number of minority decisive or minority majority seats was reduced from approximately 35 to 22–24.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-new-digital-rules-2026-social-media-regulation-digital-authoritarianism-1775214164383">India’s new digital rules 2026: Tighter social media oversight, critics warn of digital authoritarianism</a><h2>Key constituencies to watch</h2>In Jalukbari, the Chief Minister's bastion, Himanta Biswa Sharma is the overwhelming favourite for victory. Pradyut Bordholoi, a veteran leader and former Congress MP who recently joined the BJP, is the favourite to win in the capital of Assam, Dispur. Gaurav Gogoi, son of former CM Tarun Gogoi and the Congress's projected CM face, is making his assembly debut in Jorhat. He is facing a five-term BJP veteran, Hitendra Nath Goswami, who is known for his clean image and deep local roots. In Sivsagar, the "rebel" activist and anti-establishment leader Akhil Gogoi, who won the election in 2021 from Jail is contesting &nbsp;Kushal Dowari of BJP and Prodip Hazarika of AGP.&nbsp;In the Halflong constituency of Dima Hasao district, an interesting battle will take place between Rupali Langthasa, currently a Member of the Autonomous Council (MAC) in Dima Hasao and &nbsp;Nandita Garlosa, who was a prominent minister in the BJP-led state cabinet. She recently resigned from the BJP and joined the Indian National Congress after being denied a ticket from her sitting seat.In Barak Valley urban centre, Silchar, Dr Rajdeep Roy of the BJP will be directly contesting Abhijit Paul of Congress. Silchar has been a BJP stronghold for the last two terms, but has a historical legacy of the Indian National Congress. Santosh Mohan Dev was a legendary Congress leader from Silchar and served as a Union Cabinet Minister of Heavy Industries under Manmohan Singh. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with 2.5 crore voters deciding the fate of 722 candidates across 126 seats. BJP and Congress gear up for a high-stakes electoral battle.

The General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Assam is scheduled to be held on April 9, 2026. Roughly 2.5 crore voters will poll in one phase, and the results will be declared on May 4 to decide the fate of a total of 722 candidates. Indian National Congress fielded the highest number of candidates, 99, followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, 90. The voting will take place for 126 seats across 31,486 polling stations. Stronghold of the BJP and the Congress In 2021 BJP won 60 seats with 33.21 per cent of the votes, and the Congress won 29 seats with a vote share of 29.67 per cent. The urban centres of upper Assam, like Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo was the stronghold of the BJP. It won 10 out of the 12 seats in these three districts. Following the 2023 delimitation exercise, the total number of seats increased to 14 across these three districts. BJP performed well in the hill areas; it secured all five seats in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. BJP also did exceptionally well in the Central Assam area, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, and Dhemaji, which consisted of 17 seats, of which the BJP won 14. In fact, the tea tribes belt of Upper Assam, Central Assam and Barak Valley was key to securing the second consecutive victory for BJP led NDA alliance, winning 33 out of the 40 seats. Congress, on the other hand, found success in the lower Assam minority belt districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, and Barpeta, the Central Assam minority belt Nagaon, Marigaon and Hoja and the Barak Valley in Karimganj and Hailakandi. Congress won 20 out of the 46 seats in the minority belt, whereas its alliance AIUDF won 16. Congress won a total of 29 seats, 25 of which were held by minority candidates. Following the 2023 delimitation, the total number of minority decisive or minority majority seats was reduced from approximately 35 to 22–24. Also Read: India’s new digital rules 2026: Tighter social media oversight, critics warn of digital authoritarianism Key constituencies to watch In Jalukbari, the Chief Minister's bastion, Himanta Biswa Sharma is the overwhelming favourite for victory. Pradyut Bordholoi, a veteran leader and former Congress MP who recently joined the BJP, is the favourite to win in the capital of Assam, Dispur. Gaurav Gogoi, son of former CM Tarun Gogoi and the Congress's projected CM face, is making his assembly debut in Jorhat. He is facing a five-term BJP veteran, Hitendra Nath Goswami, who is known for his clean image and deep local roots. In Sivsagar, the "rebel" activist and anti-establishment leader Akhil Gogoi, who won the election in 2021 from Jail is contesting Kushal Dowari of BJP and Prodip Hazarika of AGP. In the Halflong constituency of Dima Hasao district, an interesting battle will take place between Rupali Langthasa, currently a Member of the Autonomous Council (MAC) in Dima Hasao and Nandita Garlosa, who was a prominent minister in the BJP-led state cabinet. She recently resigned from the BJP and joined the Indian National Congress after being denied a ticket from her sitting seat. In Barak Valley urban centre, Silchar, Dr Rajdeep Roy of the BJP will be directly contesting Abhijit Paul of Congress. Silchar has been a BJP stronghold for the last two terms, but has a historical legacy of the Indian National Congress. Santosh Mohan Dev was a legendary Congress leader from Silchar and served as a Union Cabinet Minister of Heavy Industries under Manmohan Singh.

Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with 2.5 crore voters deciding the fate of 722 candidates across 126 seats. BJP and Congress gear up for a high-stakes electoral battle.

Assam assembly election 2026: High-profile battles in Jalukbari, Dispur and Jorhat

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