Guwahati: Polling in Assam on Thursday, April 9, saw voters turning out in large numbers across the state.
While voting ended at 5 pm, several polling stations continued to see long lines of voters after closing time. By 7 pm, the Election Commission of India reported an 85.13% turnout, surpassing the 82.04% recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections, indicating increased voter engagement.
Lower Assam and central districts saw strong engagement at the polls, with several constituencies recording high turnout. Dalgaon (94.57%), Jaleshwar (94.31%), Srijangram (94.33%), Mankachar (94.08%), and Golakganj (93.42%) led the state in turnout.
Other areas with strong participation included Laharighat (93.44%), Chenga (93.38%), and Goalpara East (92.79%). High turnout was concentrated in regions such as Dhubri and Goalpara, Barpeta, and the Darrang–Morigaon stretch, where many constituencies crossed 90%.
Urban areas in Guwahati recorded comparatively lower turnout: Dimoria (80.52%), Dispur (73.98%), Guwahati Central (75.23%), Jalukbari (80.83%), and New Guwahati (71.27%). This continued the usual trend of rural areas recording higher participation than urban centres.
Voter turnout grew steadily through the day. By 1 pm, around 59.63% of eligible voters had cast their ballots. Citizens said development, governance, and employment influenced their voting decisions.
Many polling stations had arrangements for elderly and differently-abled voters, including wheelchair assistance, and some featured decorations and selfie points.
Polling was mostly peaceful, with a few incidents reported. A polling official died on duty in Naduar, Sonitpur, and a clash between party workers in Golaghat was quickly resolved.
Police detained nine people connected to election-related incidents in Tamulpur, Sivasagar, and Golaghat, but officials confirmed these did not affect overall voting.
Voting began with notable figures participating, and residents of Hailakandi, Chirang, Biswanath, and Kokrajhar queued early to cast their ballots.
Turnout started at 17.93% at 9 am and steadily increased throughout the day across all 126 constituencies, involving more than 2.49 crore voters and 722 candidates.