Guwahati, May 4: The counting of votes for the ‘Assam Legislative Assembly Elections 2026’ will commence on Monday under strict security measures across the state. This election marks a crucial phase, determining whether the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will return to power for a third consecutive term or if the opposition coalition will gain a significant advantage.
Election officials reported on Sunday that votes will be counted at 40 counting centers spread across 35 districts in Assam. The electronic voting machines (EVMs) from all 126 assembly constituencies have been securely stored in strong rooms, monitored 24/7 before the counting begins.
Special arrangements have been made in districts with larger assembly constituencies. In Nagaon, counting will occur at three separate locations, while Kokrajhar, Tinsukia, and Jorhat will each have two counting centers.
A multi-layered security system has been implemented to maintain law and order. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have deployed 25 companies to secure the counting centers and strong rooms. Additionally, around 800 police personnel will oversee the transportation of EVMs from the strong rooms to the counting halls.
Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goyal previously mentioned that two additional CAPF companies will be on reserve duty. Furthermore, 93 companies of the state armed police are already stationed in various districts.
To swiftly address any untoward incidents during the counting process, 85 special assault teams are on standby.
Voting for the Assam Assembly elections took place on April 9, with 85.96% of over 25 million eligible voters casting their ballots. A total of 722 candidates are contesting, including 59 women. The Congress party has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, while the BJP has nominated 90.
The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) is contesting on 30 seats. Among NDA allies, the Assam Gana Parishad is contesting 26 seats, and the Bodoland People’s Front is in the fray for 11 seats. The opposition coalition includes the Raijor Dal on 13 seats, Assam Jatiya Parishad on 10, CPI(M) on 3, and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference on 2 seats.
Other parties such as the Aam Aadmi Party and United People’s Party Liberal are contesting on 18 seats each, the Trinamool Congress on 22 seats, and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha on 16 seats. Additionally, there are 258 independent candidates in the race.
Key leaders whose fates will be decided include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal, MP Akhil Gogoi, and AJP Chief Lurin Jyoti Gogoi.
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