Assam Assembly Election 2021 Update: Election Commission of India Lifts Model Code of Conduct from Assam

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday lifted the provision of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which was enforced from the date of announcement of the schedule for Assam Assembly Elections.

May 3

The BJP-led alliance in Assam is all set to form the government for the second successive term winning 75 of the 126 seats.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal defeated his nearest Congress rival Rajib Lochan Pegu by 43,192 votes to retain his Majuli seat for the second consecutive term. [Breaking - Ex Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal sworn-in as Union Minister of Shipping & Ayush]

Here is the final Tally:

BJP 60, cong 29, AIUDF 16, AGP 9, UPPL 6, BPF 4, IND 1, CPIM 1.

Jay Panda, BJP vice-president and in charge of Assam, repeated it when asked who would be the chief minister: "Our Parliamentary Board will take a decision"

Notably, while CM Sonowal managed to beat the so-called fatigue against his incumbent government, Himanta Biswa Sarma has also emerged as the face of the BJP in the last few years.

7:00 PM

The Bharatiya Janata Party wins 8 seats and currently leading in 51 seats, on the other hand, Congress party won3 wins and is currently leading in 25 seats.

Meanwhile, AGP won 4 seats and is leading in 7 seats

6:00 PM

RTI activist and jailed Raijor Dal leader Akhil Dal has won the Sibsagar seat.

On the other hand, all the 3 BPF Ministers in the Sarbananda Sonowal Govt lose. Pramila Rani Brahma, Minister for Social Welfare, Chandan Brahma, Minister for Tourism, Welfare of Plain Tribes & Backward Classes. He had won the Sidli seat times - 2006, 2011, and 2016 and Rihon Daimary, Minister for Public Health Engineering and Co-operation and had won the Udalguri seat 4-times - 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016.

Notably, BJP had dumped BPF ahead of the elections and joined hands with UPPL.

4:00 PM

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma won the Jalukbari seat for the 6th time with over one lakh votes. Meanwhile, RTI activist and jailed Raijor Dal leader Akhil Dal has won the Sibsagar seat.

3:55 PM

Atul Bora, Assam Agriculture Minister and President of AGP, an ally of BJP, thanked all after winning the Bokakhat seat for the 4th time. He polled 35,417 votes as per the Election Commission of India data at 3.30 PM, Monday.

12:45 PM

Congress leader and Nazira's sitting MLA Debabrata Saikia trailing by 10,224. Mayur Borahohain of BJP is leading with 10,418. It is a marginal lead at this point.

12:00 Noon

Amid counting going on, Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal visits the temple in Majuli offers prayers. He will fly back to Guwahati later in the day. He is leading by over 5000 votes in Majuli.

"I convey my regards and respect to every citizen of Assam. Every citizen has supported us. All our candidates of UPPL, AGP and BJP are leading comfortably," Assam CM Sonowal told reporters in Majuli.

Meanwhile, Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal leading by 9163 votes. His closest rival Rajib Lochan Pegu of Cong trailing by 3674 and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had got 14,254 votes, on the other hand, Romen Chandra Borthakur of Cong has got 2839 votes.

11: 40 AM

Pramila Rani Brahma (BPF): Kokrajhar East Constituency

• Assam Minister for Social Welfare and Soil Conservation

• Sitting MLA of Kokrajhar East

• Won Assam elections 6 times (1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 2011 & 2016)

• Contesting for the 7th time

Chandan Brahma (BPF): Sidli Constituency

• Assam Minister for Tourism, Welfare of Plain Tribes & Backward Classes

• Won Assam elections 3 times (2006, 2011 and 2016)

• Sitting MLA of Sidli

• Contesting for the 4th time

11:00 AM

Charan Boro sitting BPF MLA of Majbat – Leading

Bhaskar Sarma sitting BJP MLA of Margherita – Leading

Sanjoy Kishan, Assam Minister and sitting MLA of Tinsukia – Leading

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal leading by 5338 votes in Majuli

10:55 AM

Early Trends -

BJP+ 77

CONG+ 42

OTHERS 5

====

Breakdown

BJP 59

AGP 13

UPPL 6

BPF 3

CONG 27

AIUDF 11

AJP 1

OTHERS 4

10:36 AM

Ranauj Pegu (BJP), Dhemaji – Leading

Renupoma Rajkhowa (AGP), sitting MLA of Teok – Leading, she is 3-time MLA of Teok (1991, 1996, 2016)

Suren Phukan, sitting MLA of Digboi – Trailing

Sibanath Chetia (INC) – Leading

Durga Bhumij, sitting Cong MLA of Doom Dooma – Trailing, he had won the Doom Dooma seat twice – 2006 & 2016

Chandra Mohan Patowary (BJP), Dharmapur – Leading. He is the Assam Minister for Commerce & Industry, Transport, Parliament Affairs, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Devp. He Won Assam Elections 5 times (1985, 1991, 1996, 2006, and 2016) and is contesting for the 8th time

10:25 AM

BJP 53

AGP 11

UPPL 6

Cong 22

AIUDF 6

BPF 2

AJP 2

RD 2

====

BJP+ 72

CONG + 31

OTHER 3

10:15 AM

Aminul Haque Laskar (BJP) Sonai, Dy Speaker, Assam Legislative Assembly - Trailing

Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah (INC), Titabar – Leading

Rupjyoti Kurmi (INC), Mariani – Leading

Rekibul Hussain (INC), Samaguri - Leading

Tamal Kanti Banik (INC), Silchar – Leading

Dwipayan Chakraborty (BJP), Silchar – Trailing

Chakradhar Gogoi (BJP), Moran – Leading

Taranga Gogoi (BJP), Naharkatia – Leading

Lurinjyoti Gogoi (AJP), Naharkatia - Trailing

Abdur Rahim Ahmed (INC), Barpeta – Leading

9:48 AM

Early Trends - Postal Ballots Counting

BJP – 42

AGP - 9

CONG – 15

AIUDF – 05

BPF – 02

UPPL – 04

AJP – 2

RD - 2

9:35 AM

Prithiraj Rava (AGP), Tezpur – Leading

Bhabesh Kalita (BJP), Rangia - Leading

Siraj Uddin Ajmal (AIUDF), Jamunamukh – Leading

Aminul Islam (AIUDF), Dhing – Leading

Zakir Hussain Laskar (AIUDF), Hailakandi – Leading

Gurujyoti Das (BJP), Magaldoi - Leading

Bolin Chetia (BJP), Sadiya - Leading

Ranjit Dutta (BJP), Behali - Leading

Ajanta Neog (BJP), Golaghat - Leading

Debrabrata Saikia (INC), Nazira - Trailing

Pramila Rani Brahma (BPF), Kokrajhar East - Trailing

Naba Doley (BJP), Dhakuakhana - Leading

9:30 AM

BJP+ - 43

CONG+ - 11

OTHER - 4

Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Ripun Bora trailing in Gohpur.

9:10 AM

U G Brahma (UPPL), Chapaguri - Leading

Keshab Mahanta (AGP), Kaliabor- Leading

Akhil Gogoi (RD), Sibsagar- Leading

Atul Bora (BJP), Dispur - Leading

Lurinjyoti Gogoi (AJP), - Leading

Gobinda Ch Basumatary (UPPL), Udalguri- Leading

Phani Bhushan Choudhury (AGP), Bongaigaon - Leading

Siddhartha Bhattacharyya (BJP) Gauhati East - Leading

Sibamani Bora (INC), Batadroba - Leading

Jakir Hussain (INC), Sarukhetri - Leading

Hitendranath Goswami (BJP), Jorhat – Leading

Atul Bora (AGP), Bokakhat – Leading

Ashok Singhal (BJP), Dhekiajuli – Leading

Laho Ram Boro (UPPL), Tamulpur – Leading

Dulu Ahmed (AJP), Hajo – Leading

9:00 AM

Early Trends - Postal Ballots Counting

BJP +- 22

CONG+ - 11

OTHERS - 4

8:30 AM

Early Trends

BJP + -- 6

Cong + -- 8

RD -- 1

Early Trends – Postal Ballots Counting

BJP+ -- 13

Cong+ -- 7

Others – 4

April 20

The Election Commission of India has directed that the Assam poll was taken on April 1, 2021, i.e. the second phase at the four polling stations in Assam to be void and appoints the 20th April 2021 as the date.

Further, the polling is being held between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for taking a fresh poll at the said polling stations in accordance with the Commission's instructions. Read more

The voter turnout recorded at 11:00 AM, as per the election commission stands at:

> Ratabari: 38.65%

> Sonai: 39.16%

> Haflong: 17%

Phase 3

The final poll percentage of phase 3 of the Assam election stands at 85.20%, according to the Election Commission of India.

In the third phase, there are 336 candidates in the fray contesting from 40 constituencies.

This is the crucial phase of Assam elections as the prestigious seats of Guwahati (Gauhati East, Gauhati West and Dispur) and the high-profile seat of Jalukbari (hot seat of Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma) had gone for polling.

A total of 79.19 (79,19,641) lakh voters cast their votes.

6:30 PM

> 82.28 % per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 6:30 PM in the polling for the third phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Tuesday. However, the final poll percentage is yet to be ascertained as of now. Details awaited.

5:00 PM

> Popular singer from Assam, Zubeen Garg and Angaraag 'Papon' Mahanta cast their votes in Guwahati. It is to be mentioned here that both the artist from Assam flew down from Mumbai to cast their votes.

Notably, Zubeen cast his vote from the Dispur constituency while Papon from the Guwahati East constituency respectively.

Speaking to the media Papon said, "This time the voters' turnout is more than yesteryears and this is a good sign."

"I hope the incoming MLA will use advance technology to tackle floods and manage it properly, " he added.

Meanwhile, Zubeen said, "I have grateful to the people of Assam and happy that the election passed by in a peaceful manner." Speaking on the Citizenship Amendment Act the singer said, "We stand against CAA and will continue to do so."

> 78.94 % per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 5:00 PM in the polling for the third phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Tuesday.

> Assam based actors and singers like Deeplina Deka, Yankee Parashar and Prastuti Parashar also cast their votes in Guwahati.

3:00 PM

> Speaking to media, Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member, Bodoland Territorial Region after casting his vote said that the opposition has no face in Assam and the people are giving their mandate to NDA.

"UPPL and BJP will win all 8 seats of Phase 3 polls," he added.

2:00 PM

> Clashes broke out between security personnel and voters in Golakganj polling booth. Incident reported from Dighaltari High Madrassa.

Notably, earlier today, reports of violence also reported from Bongaigaon. CRPF use force on voters.

> 53.23 % per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 2:00 PM in the polling for the third phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Tuesday.

1:00 PM

> Sitting MLA of Barpeta, Gunindra Nath Das casts vote. He is contesting for the Barpeta seat on AGP ticket.

> 34.25 % per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 1:00 PM in the polling for the third phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Tuesday.

12:00 Noon

> Dr Debamoy Sanyal BJP candidate from Dhubri casts his vote.

11:00 AM

> AGP candidate and sitting MLA from the West Guwahati Constituency, Ramendra Narayan Kalita casts his vote.

> There're 40 seats in this phase, we are expecting to win on 22 of them, the number can be higher. In this election, we will win more seats. Last time we had won 84 seats, we are expecting at least 90 seats this time: Assam Minister & BJP candidate Himanta Biswa Sarma from Jalukbari.

> Singer Deeplina Deka casts her vote at Mathgharia.

> 15.61 % per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 11:00 AM in the polling for the third phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Tuesday.

> Hagrama Mohilary former Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council casts his vote. Mohilary led- BPF party is along with the Congress led-grand alliance.

10:30 AM

> Reports of violence coming in from Bongaigaon. CRPF use force on voters.

> Assam Election Commission CEO Nitin Khade - Voting in Assam has been peaceful so far. Expecting a good voter turnout. Enough security personnel has been deployed. Necessary full-proof arrangements in place even in border areas. There have been 'minuscule number of EVM mal-function issues. COVID protocol maintained. Masks, gloves, face screens, sanitisers provided in every polling booth.

> Dr. Rafiqul Islam from AIUDF, Jania, casts his vote.

10:00 AM

Assam FM and senior BJP leader Himata Biswa Sarma casts vote. He is contesting from Jalukbari for the 6th time. He is Assam's Finance, Health, Education, Planning and Development and PWD minister and NEDA convenor. Sarma is accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and son Nandil. It is to be mentioned that Himanta Biswa Sarma's son Nandil is a first-time voter.

Meanwhile, Sarma predicted 87 votes in the Assam election this time. He predicts 40 of 47 seats in Phase 1, 25 of 39 in Phase 2 and 22 of 39 in Phase 3. Notably, massive media and local people crowd outside the Amingaon polling booth where Himnata Biswa Sarma cast his vote.

"People of Assam will vote for peace and development. People of Jalukbari, Amingaon, Sualkuchi and areas under the Jalukbari constituency are my family," said Himanta Biswa.

9:50 AM

Incidents of malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) is being reported from different polling stations across the four electoral constituencies of Guwahati early today. Voters were made to wait for over an hour at the Beltola Lower Primary School and also in a government school in Rukminigaon.

The voting for the third phase began today at 7 am and will end at 6 pm.

> Assam Minister and senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma reaches Amingaon to cast his vote. Greets media and people gathered at the polling booth.

9:40 AM

Congress MP from Assam Gaurav Gogoi wrote-

> Actor Kapil Bora, the Brand Ambassador of State for Assembly Election, 2021 cast his vote at Rajendra Narayan Dev ME School, Dispur.

9:35 AM

> AASU Chief Advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya casts vote

> Guwahati West Congress candidate Mira Borhthakur casts vote

> BJP leader and candidate from Guwahati East Siddhartha Bhattacharyya casts vote.

> Dhubri BJP candidate Dr Debamoy Sanyal casts vote.

> > Assam Commerce and Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary cast his vote along with his family.

9:30 AM

> 12.83 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 9:30 AM in the polling for the third phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Tuesday.

> Assam FM Himanta Biswa Sarma on way from his Minister's residence in Dispur to cast his vote in Amingaon. He is dressed in crisp Assamese silk kurta and dhoti.

9:20 AM

> Assam Law and Justice Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, sitting BJP MLA of Gauhati East reach to cast vote. He is contesting for the third time from Gauhati East.

> Barama Independent candidate Naba Sarania reaches polling booth.

> 7-time Bongaigaon MLA, Assam Food and Civil Supplies Minister Phani Bhushan Choudhury casts vote. He is contesting for the 8th time. He is an AGP politician.

9:15 AM

> First-time voters being felicitated at Mirza Model Polling Station.

9:10 AM

> Kokrajhar East BPF sitting MLA and minister Pramila Rani Brahma to cast vote; reaches polling booth.

9:00 AM

> Assam Finance & health minister Himanta Biswa Saram to cast his vote at Amingaon High School along with his family.

> Poll percentage at Kamrup Metropolitan Election District up to 9:00 AM

Jalukbari 13 per cent

Dispur 12 per cent

Guwahati East 11 per cent

Guwahati West 11 per cent

8:58 AM

> BPF Candidate from SidlI and Assam minister Chandan Brahma cast his vote.

8:55 AM

Gauhati West sitting MLA and AGP/BJP Candidate Romendra Narayan Kalita reaches polling booth

8:50 AM

> Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass offers prayer at Sorbhog Namghar before casting his vote. He was accompanied by his wife, Anju Bashiya Dass and his daughter.

8:35 AM

Dispur Congress candidate and veteran journalist Manjit Mahanta to cast a vote

8:32 AM

> Promod Boro, UPPL President and BTC Chief casts vote

8:27 AM

> Congress Gauhati East candidate Ashima Bordoloi casts her vote

> Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal appeals to youth and all to cast their vote.

8:10 AM

> Hajo MLA Suman Haripriya to cast her vote

> At Model Polling Centre Goalpara

8:10 AM

Union HM Amit Shah says 'vote to maintain peace and development of Assam'.

7:57 AM

Assam Finance Minister requests people of the state to vote for Assam's future.

7:50 AM

First voter of every Polling Station in Bongaigaon inaugurated the Polling Station and was felicitated, given a certificate.

7:40 AM

G P Singh, ADGP (Law and Order) Assam Pollice has tweeted photos of people in Lower Assam waiting to vote.

7:25 AM

7:20 AM

A crucial phase of voting for Assam. Key state ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma, Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, Chandra Mohan Patowary contesting.

Polling begins in 4 high-profile locations - Gauhati East, Gauhati West, Dispur and Jalukbari

PM Modi urges the people of Assam to cast their ballot.

7:15 AM

Brand Ambassador of Kamrup (M), Badminton Player Megha Murchana Bora will cast her vote at Sankardev Bidyaniketon, Geetanagar, at 9am.

7:10 AM

Actor Kapil Bora, the Brand Ambassador of State for Assembly Election, 2021, to cast his vote at Rajendra Narayan Dev ME School, (left wing) Dispur.

7:00 AM | April 06

Voting has begun in 40 constituencies across Assam. Congress candidate from Gauhati East Ashima Bordoloi, Lawrence Islary, UPPL candidate from Kokrajhar East, sitting Hajo MLA Suman Haripriya have cast their votes.

79.19 lakhs voters to cast their vote in this third and final phase of Assam Polls 2021. PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted urging people to cast vote for the future of Assam and to maintain peace and development of the state.

April 5

Barpeta election officer Shashi Kumar Deka has been placed under suspension in connection with the theft of Rs 55 lakh from his office chamber.

As per an order from the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam said that Deka was placed under suspension with immediate effect till the completion of the inquiry.

Meanwhile, the district's Assistant Commissioner Gayatri Sarma was given the responsibility of the election officer of Barpeta, which is going to the polls in the third phase on April 6.

Further investigation is underway.

April 4

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that a task force will be formed in Assam for the eviction of encroachers from Xatra lands in the State.

"If the BJP-led Mitrajoot makes it to Dispur again, no encroachers will be allowed to stay in xatra lands in the State," he added. Read more

April 4

With the ECI (Election Commission of India) bringing down the curtain on campaign for the third and final phase of the State Assembly poll at 6 pm on Sunday, 40 Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs) are set to go for poll on April 6, 2021.

In this phase, 79,19,641 electors –40,11,539 males, 39,07,963 females and 139 transgender – are to decide the fates of 337 candidates – 312 males and 25 females –in 12 lower Assam districts, including Kamrup (M). Read more

April 4

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid have said that he has foreseen an atmosphere of change in Assam, and that has made the BJP a bundle of nerves. Read more

April 3

The campaign for the third phase of the Assam Assembly elections will come to an end on Sunday (April 4) at 6 PM, 48 hours prior to the date of polling which will take place on April 6. This was informed by the Election Commission through a notification.

April 3

Assam State Finance and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a tweet said that the Election Commission of India has barred him from campaigning for the next 48 hours.

In a tweet, the minister wrote, "I am asked by ECI to stop campaigning for next 48 hours. Therefore all my meetings scheduled for tomorrow stand cancelled."

The ECI directive is in response to a complaint lodged by Congress saying that Sarma during a campaign rally had 'threatened' BPF leader Hagrama Mohilary and also spoke about using the NIA to investigate him. BPF is an ally of the Congress-led Grand Alliance or Mahajot.

Notably, Himanta Biswa will contest from the Jalukbari constituency in the last league of the Assam Assembly Election 2021.

April 2

Bodoland People's Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary on Friday exhorted the people of the State to vote for the Congress-led Grand Alliance in the third phase of the Assam Assembly polls, promising to bring in 'development' and 'unity' along with the fulfilment of the five guarantees given by the Congress. Read more

April 2

The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll at a polling station in Southern Assam after the electronic voting machine (EVM) was found in the vehicle of a BJP candidate's wife on Thursday evening. Read more

April 2

The Election Commission announced the final poll percentage. Phase 2 of polling in Assam came to an end on Thursday (April 1). In the second phase, the voters' turnout stands at 80.96%

April 1

Bongaigaon LAC (Legislative Assembly Constituency) may witness a record in electoral politics in the State if senior AGP leader and State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Phani Bhushan Choudhury comes out a winner. Choudhury, a seven-time MLA from this constituency in a row since 1985, is vying for the Bongaigaon seat for the eighth term. Read more

April 1

Former BTC chief and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) supremo Hagrama Mohilary, while campaigning for INC candidate Jadab Swargiary, said that this time the Dudhnoi constituency would see the end of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In fact, he added that there would be no BJP in Dispur this time and a Congress-led alliance would form the government in the State. Read more

April 1

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has requested the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Election Commission of India (ECI), that "IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) may perhaps be installed in every strongroom so that the same could be watched by each and every candidate from a distance or from home and office and be satisfied that the EVMS are in safe custody." Read more

Phase 2

There are a total of 37 candidates in Phase II of Assam elections 2021 who have criminal record and cases pending against them. Nijam Uddin Choudhury, contesting from the Algapur seat on an AIUDF ticket has been booked for rape, Madhu Ram Deka (BJP), Diganta Kalita (BJP) and Gobinda Chandra Basumatary (a former NDFB leader) have murder charges against them. Sarsing Enleng, contesting as an Independent candidate from Baithalangso has booked on charges of kidnapping.

Meanwhile, over 73,44, 631 voters in 39 constituencies across 13 districts of Assam is all set to vote on Thursday. The fate of 345 candidates will be sealed in the EVMs. Voting will begin at 7 AM and is supposed to go on till 6 PM. Of the total 354 candidates, the number of male candidates is 319 and there are 26 women candidates contesting in Phase 2. In Phase 1, there were 264 candidates and the number of male candidates was 241 and women were 23.

A total of 8, 998 polling stations have been set up. There are 556 all-women polling stations. 1,594 auxiliary polling stations have been set up keeping in view the COVID situation.

5:00 PM

> 72.07 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 5:00 PM in the polling for the second phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Thursday.

4:00 PM

> 63.04 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 3:48 PM in the polling for the second phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Thursday.

1:00 PM

> 48.26 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 1:00 PM in the polling for the second phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Thursday.

12:00 Noon

> BJP Leader Pijush Hazarika Casts his Vote from Jagiroad Constituency

> Taking a jibe at the Congress-led grand alliance, PM Narendra Modi said that the ongoing Assam Assembly election is a "battle" between the Congress-AIUDF grand alliance's 'maha jhooth' (great lies) and National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) maha vikas (great development).

PM Modi said, "Football is very popular among youth here. If I have to speak in their language, I would say that the people have yet again shown a red card to Congress and its Mahajot. People of Assam trust the NDA for the development, peace, security of the state. This is an election between the 'maha jhooth' of Mahajot (Congress-AIUDF grand alliance) and 'maha vikas' of the double engine government."

> BJP Leader Parimal Suklabaidya Casts his Vote from Dholai, Silchar. the minister said, "Exercised my highest fundamental & democratic right today towards the development of the state & the continuing good governance. Urge you all to turn out in your respective polling booths in highest numbers to cast your votes."

11:00 AM

> Congress leader Sushmita Dev casts her vote at a polling station in Silchar. "Mahajoot (grand alliance) is an inclusive alliance. BJP is a communal alliance," she says.

> 27.45 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 11 AM in the polling for the second phase of Assam Assembly elections held on Thursday.

> Former BJP leader Sum Ronghang cast his vote from the Diphu constituency.

10:22 AM

> All India United Democratic Front President Badruddin Ajmal casts his vote at polling station number 21 in Hojai. Speaking to the media he said, "PM Modi & Amit Shah have said they'll send Bangladeshi infiltrators back. I want to ask them how many Bangladeshis sent back till now? I challenge them to tell if even 100 Bangladeshis have been sent back in the last 5 yrs. They are the ones who get them here."

9:30 AM

> Clashes Reported in Morigaon & Laharighat, Police Personel Injured. According to reports, violence emerging in Laharighat's Bhuragaon Girls English school amongst voters.

9:15 AM

Voting percentage till now 10.51 %

• Bokajan - 14.25 %
  
• Cachar- 1.34 %
  
• Badarpur- 7 %
  
• Darang- 1.80 %
  
• Baithalangso- 8.20 %
  
• Jamunamukh- 7.50 %
  
• 9:05 AM

> Former MoS Railways & BJP leader Rajen Gohain casts his vote at a polling booth in Nagaon. He says, "BJP will get over 35 seats out of the total 47 in the 1st phase. In the 2nd phase too, we'll get many seats. BJP will undoubtedly form the govt with more than 75 seats."

9:00 AM

> 1.34 % voter turnout recorded till now in Assam: CEO Assam office

> Aminul Haque Laskar of Bharatiya Janata Party casts his vote

> Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wrote-

> Himanata Biswa Sarama tweeted-

8:00 AM

> Former NDFB(P) Leader Govinda Basumatary and Pramod Boro-led United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) Candidate Casts Votes, he is the deputy CEM of BTC, BTR

7: 36 AM

> Number of voters in Howraghat - 1,32,339

> Number of voters in Sipajhar - 1, 77,782

> Number of voters in Kalaigaon - 1,83,485

> Number of voters in Mangaldoi- 2,36,978

> Number of voters in Dalgaon- 239322

> Number of voters in Rangia- 195439

7:25 AM

> Voting temporarily stopped at polling station number 146 at Nirtamoyee Balika Vidyalaya, due to EVM malfunction.

> Voting delayed at polling station number 26 at Nowgong Law College in Nagaon, due to EVM malfunction.

> Jayanta Malla Baruah offers prayers before going to cast vote. Baruah contesting from Nalbari on BJP ticket

7:00 AM

Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Bubul Das reaches Jagiroad Assembly constituency in Morigaon district.

Jagiroad seat is part of the Nowgong Lok Sabha constituency, which falls in the Upper Assam region of Assam.

In the 2016 Assembly elections, Pijush Hazarika of BJP won from this seat beating Bibekananda Dalai of INC by a margin of 28,326 votes.

In the 2011 Assembly elections, Bibekananda Dalai of INC won from this constituency defeating Bubul Das of AGP by a margin of 34,448 votes.

Notably, long queues have been witnessed in almost all the polling booth of Morigaon district.

April 1

BPF leader and candidate from Tamulpur Ranja Khungur Basumatary to join BJP

Ahead of the 3rd phase of the Assam Assembly election, Bodoland People's Front (BPF) Tamulpur candidate Rangja Khungur Basumatary will quit the party to join BJP led alliance United People's Party Liberal (UPPL).

The reason for Basumatary to quit the party is yet to be ascertained.

April 1

Meanwhile, PM Modi took to his Twitter handle wrote both in Assamese and English and said-

March 31

A heavy downpour that lashed across Assam on Wednesday has left many parts of the poll-bound state underwater. This has made things difficult for the poll officers assigned election duty in certain remote rural areas of the state.

The Election Commission has shared pictures of how polling officers crossed flooded areas, blocked roads and difficult terrain to reach polling booths in areas like Dima Hasao which goes to Poll in Phase 2 of Assam Assembly election 2021.

The poll officers have also made arrangements of the postal ballot for absentee voters, voters with physical disabilities and voters above 80 years of age.

As many as 345 candidates are in the fray in Phase 2, voting for which would be held on April 1.

March 31

After the Model Code of Conduct came into force on 26th February in view of the ongoing General Election to the Assam Legislative Assembly, cash and other valuables worth Rs. 110.83 crores have been seized till date.

This cash, valuables and illegally transported liquor were seized from various parts of the state in search operations carried out by Assam Police, Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Team, Excise and other enforcement and regulatory agencies of the state.

Till now, seizure of drugs and narcotics worth Rs. 34.29 crores, more than 16.61 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs. 33.44 crores, cash amounting Rs. 24.50 crores, gold, silver jewellery, gold bars worth Rs. 3.68 crores and freebies/other items worth Rs. 14.91 crores have been made.

On seizure, operations carried out by Static Surveillance Team and Flying Squads, drugs worth Rs. 33.79 crore included- Heroin (4,226.81gm), Tablet (1,74,088 Nos.), Crystalline Methamphetamine (10.27 kg), Capsule (1,22,100 Nos.), Ganja ( 6,892.82 kg), Morphin (1000 gms) and Brown Sugar (252.85 gm).

Details of freebies and other items seized so far included:

• Cigarettes of foreign origin: 8,71,800 nos. of stick
  
• Poppyseed: 20197.6 kg
  
• Black pepper: 31703 kg
  
• Contraband tablets: 6,000
  
• Areca nuts: 32482 kg
  
• Cigarettes: 39800
  
• Wildlife: 12 nos.
  
• Vehicles: 3 no.
  
• TMT Bars: 2.5 tons
  
• Pan/Masala/Jarda: 3 container trucks
  
• Foreign and Indian liquor: 168 bottles
  
• Family essential kits (rice, dal, sugar, soap, edible oil, salt, tea) – 600 packets
  
• So far, 50 FIR's/police cases have been registered across the state related to expenditure violation and 5,234 FIR's/police cases lodged related to excise law violation.
  

Regarding MCC violations reported online through cVigil app till 30th March, 1,272 cases have been registered and 908 cases have been found correct which were examined and disposed of. Offline registered cases received in B9 format stands at 1,424 nos.

March 30

Talking about the flood and erosion problem of the State, Union Minister Smriti Irani has stated that the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has taken a resolution to solve the problem with 'Mission Brahmaputra'. Read more

March 30

The Congress on Tuesday promised to implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution to create an autonomous State comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao (formerly North Cachar Hills) districts within Assam. Read more

March 30

Asking the people of Assam as to whether they want a government that could deliver development or a government that beliefs only in giving lectures, BJP national president J.P. Nadda said, "It is up to the people of Assam to choose the quality of the next government. Read more

March 30

We will increase the financial assistance of Rs 830 provided under Orunodoi to Rs 3,000. This is our commitment to the people of Assam: Union Minister Smriti Irani.

March 29

Campaigning for the 2nd phase of assembly elections in Assam will end today evening at 6 PM, March 30. A total of 345 candidates are in the fray in the 2nd phase including 26 women. As many as 73,44,631 electorates are eligible to vote in this phase which will be held on April 1.

March 29

The overall voter turnout of Lakhimpur district in Assam Legislative Assembly Election -2021 has decreased in comparison to that of 2016. Read more.

March 29

In the second-phase Assembly polls slated on April 1, it will be a straight fight between the Hagrama Mohilary-led BPF (Bodoland People's Front) and the Pramod Boro-led UPPL (United People's Party Liberal) in the BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region). Read more

March 29

The final turnout in the first phase stands at 79.97%. In the first phase, BJP contested 39 seats meanwhile, INC (Congress) contested 43 seats of the 47 while AGP which is an ally of BJP contested in 10 of 47 seats.

March 29

Ahead of the second and third phase of the Assam Assembly Election 2021, both the leaders from the opposition and the ruling parties are making a frequent round of visit to Assam.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is slated to visit the poll-bound Assam on March 30 and is scheduled to visit Silchar constituency. On the other hand, Pm Narendra Modi will be in Assam on April 1 to campaign for the third phase of the Assam Assembly elections. Modi will address a public rally at Kokrajhar.

Also clashing with Rahul Gandhi's election rally, BJP's Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani will visit Borbhag in Nalbari and Gauripur in Dhubri on Tuesday.

Further, Union Home Minister Amit Shah who also visited the state several times for campaigning will be visiting the state again on March 31.

March 28

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled seven more party leaders for six years for filing nomination papers as Independent candidates from various Assembly constituencies.

The party leaders, who have been expelled as primary members of the BJP, are Dipak Rabha, Dudhnoi constituency in Goalpara; Sailen Kalita, Dispur constituency in Guwahati; Santanu Kalita, Barkhetry in Nalbari; Jyotirmoy Sarma, Dharmapur in Nalbari; Mubarak Hussain, Dhubri; Baleswar Rongpi in Guwahati West constituency and Narayan Das in Goalpara East.

Voting in Assam from 7 AM to 6 PM. Notably, first-time voters greeted with the bouquet and traditional Assamese Gamosa in Tezpur.

Phase 1

In the first phase, BJP is contesting 39 seats of Phase 1 Assam Polls meanwhile, INC (Congress) is contesting 43 seats of the 47 in Phase 1. AGP which is an ally of BJP is contesting in 10 of 47 seats. While 78 Independent candidates in the fray in Phase 1. On the other hand, six months old Assam Jatiya Parishad contesting 41 of 47 seats in Phase 1. President Lurinjyoti Gogoi contesting from Naharkatia and Duliajan, General Secretary Jagadish Bhuyan contesting from Sadiya.

Notably, 124 third gender voters in Assam are likely to cast their votes. As per the COVID-19 protocol, sanitisers, masks made available at polling stations as voting takes place amid rising COVID numbers.

On a note of trivia, Pradip Hazarika of AJP contesting from Amguri is up against Angkita Dutta of INC (Congress). Interesting to note that, Hazarika had contested against Angkita's father Anjan Dutta in the 2011 Assam Assembly election. Assam goes to poll even as the two leading parties, Congress and BJP does not mention CM candidate

March 28

The turnout in the first phase is around 79.93 per cent, however, the Election Commission is yet to announce the final poll percentage. Phase 1 of polling in Assam came to an end on Saturday (March 27).

10:00 PM

Barring a few sporadic incidents, polling in the first phase of the Assam Assembly election was by and large peaceful on Saturday. The turnout in this phase is around 77 per cent. Phase 1 of polling in Assam came to an end on Saturday (March 27).

The voter turnout at 5 PM was 77% (approx) as per the Election Commission of India. Among the districts, Sibsagar registered the maximum poll percentage with 82.46%. Voting was held for 47 constituencies in 12 districts. 246 candidates were in the fray. Read more

5:00 PM

A polling officer posted in Sonari Salkathoni polling station dies. He died on his way to the hospital in Dibrugarh. The officer was Tulsi Khanikar hails from Moran.

> Around 66.45 per cent of voters have exercised their franchise till 5 pm on Saturday in the first phase of the Assam Assembly election which is underway in 47 constituencies.

4:15 PM

CM Sarbananda Sonowal's convoy hit a person who was on his bike in the Majuli district of Assam.

According to reports, the victim identified as Munindra Muktiar works at the Deputy Commissioners office in Majuli.

The injured was later shifted to hospital. More details awaited

3:35 PM

Congress leader Sushmita Dev wrote-

> MP Pallab Lochan Das cast his vote from the Rangapara constituency.

3:00 PM

> Around 62.09 per cent of voters have exercised their franchise till 3 pm on Saturday in the first phase of the Assam Assembly election which is underway in 47 constituencies.

> Popular singer Nahid Afrin voted for the first time. She exercised her franchise at the polling station of Kunhiarbari Primary School in the 8th Bihali Assembly constituency.

1:00 PM

Reportedly there is a clash between supporters of BJP and Congress. Meanwhile, BJP workers sustained injuries and even a car was vandalised.

As per reports, allegedly massive vote-rigging was going on in Panei booth and Congress goons attacked BJP workers and seriously injured one.

> Sanjoy Kishan from the Tinsukia constituency cast his vote.

> Utpal Dutta, AGP candidate from Lakhimpur alleges rigging. Registers complain with DC, Lakhimpur.

> Around 45.20 per cent of voters have exercised their franchise till 1 pm on Saturday in the first phase of the Assam Assembly election which is underway in 47 constituencies.

12:05 PM

Assam Pradesh Congress Chief Ripun Bora visits polling booths of Gohpur, greets people and thanks to them for voting. Says things are looking good for Congress in Assam.

11:50 AM

> BJP ally AGP's Keshab Mahanta casts his vote.

> Congress' Rockybul Hussain casts vote at a polling booth in Amoni. Rockybul Hussain has been fielded as Congress candidate from Samaguri constituency.

11:30 AM

25.83 voter turnout recorded till 11:00 AM in Assam: CEO Assam office

11: 15 AM

A first-time voter takes a photo at Model PS in Jorhat.

10:57 AM

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal casts vote in Dibrugarh

> Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi casts his vote at a polling booth in Jorhat in the first phase of Assam polls.

10:30 AM

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal at Boga Baba Majhar in Dibrugarh. Offers prayers before casting vote.

Further, CM urges people to indulge in free and fair elections. Says he prayed for peace for all. Expressed confidence of a big win for BJP.

10:15 AM

Reports of EVM malfunction coming in from Lahowal, Naharkatia, Upper Hatimor LP School, North Gohpur High School

9:30 AM

Several physically disabled people were seen casting their vote in Phase 1 of the Assam elections. The Elections Commission along with the district administrations has made special arrangements to ensure the physically challenged and old voters do not face any problem. There is a total of 1,38,290 people with disabilities who are part of the voters in Assam.

> Assam Minister Naba Kumar Doley from Dhakuakhana constituency cast his vote. The minister said, "I voted for my democratic rights. Vote for your democratic rights, this is my humble request to the voters. The people of Dhakuakhana will play a vital role in establishing a healthy, vibrant, and developed Batadrava."

9:13 AM

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wrote-

> AJP President and former AASU General Secretary casts vote. He is contesting for the first time. He is contesting from Naharkatia and Duliajan.

> Bitupan Saikia (INC) casts vote. He is contesting from Golaghat.

> Taranga Gogoi, BJP candidate from Naharkatia casts vote. He is a first-time candidate.

9:00 AM

> Atul Bora accompanied by his daughter reaches the polling booth to cast vote. Bora is Agriculture Minister of Assam. He is the sitting MLA of Bokakhat contesting again to retain the seat.

> Voting per cent at 5% at 9 AM

> 7.5% voting registered at Dibrugarh at 9 AM, within two hours of voting.

> 6 % voting registered at Jonai at 9 AM

> 4.43% voter turnout recorded till now in Assam: CEO Assam office

8:55 AM

> First-time candidate Prithiraj Rava contesting on an AGP ticket from Tezpur casts vote. Rava is the son of Assam's cultural and literary icon Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha.

8: 43 AM

> Ajanta Neog contesting from Golaghat casts vote.

> Manab Deka (BJP) casts vote. He is contesting from the Lakhimpur seat.

8:39 AM

> Assam Minister of State for Revenue and Disaster Management, Jogen Mohan casts vote in Moran. He is contesting from the Mahmara seat.

> Assam Congress President Ripun Bora casts vote. He is contesting from the Gohpur seat.

> Utpal Borah (BJP) casts vote. He is contesting for the Gohpur seat. His main rival is Assam Congress president Ripun Bora.

> Manik Gogoi (AJP) casts vote. He is contesting from the Mahmara seat.

8:27 AM

> Renupoma Rajkhowa (AGP) casts vote. She is contesting from the Teok seat for the 6th time.

> Senior Congress leader and sitting MLA of Nazira Debabrata Saikia casts vote. He is contesting from the Nazira seat for the third time.

> Angkita Dutta (INC) casts vote. She is contesting for the Amguri seat.

> Hemanta Kalita (BJP) casts vote. He is contesting from the Tirabar seat.

> Pradip Hazarika (AGP) casts vote. He is contesting from Amguri.

> Priyada Gogoi (Akhil Gogoi's mother) voted in Mariani

8:20 AM

Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah (INC) contesting Titabar casts a vote. Titabar has been the constituency of three-time former CM of Assam late Tarun Gogoi.

8:15 AM

In a unique way to attract voters in Jorhat, the Election Commission in Jorhat has created a Playzone while parents can caste their votes.

8:05 AM

Amit Shah wrote-

8:00 AM

Assam minister Ranjit Dutta casts vote in Behali. He is contesting from the Behali seat. On the other hand, sitting MLA of Batadroba, Angoorlata Deka casts vote. She is contesting from the Batadroba seat for the second time.

7: 35 AM

1st Voter Welcomed with Gamusa & Sapling in Model Polling Station in Batadraba and Nagaon

7:18 AM

Election Commission gives gloves to every voter in Majuli, other polling stations while 23 female candidates in the fray in Assam polls

7:15 AM

Long queues in Dibrugarh. Sanitising done before allowing people to enter the polling booths

7:07 AM:

Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia (BJP) casts vote

7:00 AM

Assam State Minister Himnata Biswa Sarama took to the Twitter handle and wrote-

PM Modi wrote-

March 26

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi keep on making a slew of pre-poll promises that are never fulfilled even after the party holds the rein of power. Read more

March 25

A case was filed on Thursday at North Lakhimpur Police Station against Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Atul Bora for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) which has been in force across the State in connection with the Assam Legislative Assembly Election - 2021. Read more

March 25

In an election rally held at Goreswar in Baksa district on Thursday, the CPI (M) Politburo member Brinda Karat appealed to the public to cast vote in favour of Grand Alliance candidate Dr Bhagaban Dev Misra to save Assam from the BJP government. Read more

March 25

Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has challenged the State BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) to make public as to how many promises it has fulfilled from the 2016 manifesto. Read more

With two days left for the first phase of the Assembly Polls, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) organised a press meet in the election office of AJP in Demow, Alun Nagar on Wednesday. Read more

March 24

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government at the Centre and in the State had been working for the comprehensive development in Assam during the last five years. Read more

March 24

Electorates of three LACs (Legislative Assembly Constituencies) will decide the political destinies of three top leaders — for the next five years — during the first phase of Assam Assembly elections slated on March 27. Read more

March 24

The AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) has assured that strong steps will be initiated to free the State's agricultural lands from illegal infiltrators, and also to implement Clause-VI of the Assam Accord. The AGP has also said that the party will continue to pressurise the Centre for detection and deportation of illegal foreigners, as well as for completing a foreigners-free NRC (National Register of Citizens). Read more

March 24

Assam Assembly Elections 2021: A total of 946 candidates, including ministers and the deputy speaker, are in the fray for 126 constituencies going to polls in the three-phased Assam Assembly elections starting on March 27.

As per the state's Chief Electoral Officer- in Phase 1: 264 candidates, in Phase 2 candidates: 345 and in Phase 3: 337 candidates.

March 24

The election campaign for all three phases in Assam will end 48 hours prior to the close of polls.

In this regard, the election campaign in 47 constituencies under Phase I will come to an end at 6 pm on March 25, 2021, i.e., 48 hours prior to the close of polls on March 27, 2021.

This is in accordance with the Election Commission's guidelines under the provisions enacted in Section 126 of Representation of Peoples' Act, 1951.

During this period, no person shall convene, hold or attend, join or address any public meetings, processions, etc, and display of election matter by means of television and similar apparatus. It also prohibits propagation of any election matter to the public by holding any musical concert or any theatrical performance or any other entertainment or amusement with a view to attracting the members of the public, in any polling area during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll.

March 23

Congress leader and Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi have said that the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) sentiment has brought together the Congress, AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), the Ajit Bhuyan-led regional front, BPF (Bodo People's Front) and the Left parties. He specifically stated that the Mahajoot (Grand Alliance) is not an "unholy Congress-AIUDF nexus" as the BJP is trying to brand it. Read more

March 23

Yogi Adityanath to Influence Assam Voters: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi wooed voters with the development card all at the mammoth public rallies in Karimganj, it was for UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to play to the gallery to woo voters. Read more

March 23

Political analysts feel that a straight fight is on the cards between two candidates – both women — for the Batadroba LAC (Legislative Assembly Constituency) in Nagaon district. Read more

March 23

Ahead of the Assam Assembly Election which is due on March 27, 2020, Bharatiya Janata Party's president J P Nadda on march 23 launched the party's manifesto 'Vijay Sankalp' in Guwahati.

Notably, the saffron party has come up with "ten commitments" to the state that BJP will implement if voted to power for a second term.

The 10 SANKALP FOR ASSAM ARE AS FOLLOWS

Mission Brahmaputra:

New scientific approaches will be adopted to stop flood situations across the state and save the livelihood of people. Dredging will be done from Dhubri to Sadiya and build reservoirs to store excess water from the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

Empower Assam's Women:

Orunodoi payments, which are now Rs 830/month will be increased to Rs 3,000/month. 30 lakh deserving families will be brought under coverage of the scheme. The enhanced amount of Rs 3,000/month will open new avenues for making women self-reliant and empowering Assam.

To strengthen and protect Namghars and Satras:

A Task Force will be formed to recover lands of Satras and places of worship of tribal communities from illegal encroachments. To strengthen Namghars and places of worship of the tribal communities, grants in aid of up to Rs 2.5 lakh to these institutes will be provided.

A bright future for Assam's Children:

Free education of every child under 'Mission Bala Unnayan' in state government-run institutions will be given. Free bicycles to all school students from Class 8 onwards will be provided.

To protect Assam's rights through corrected NRC:

A process of correction and reconciliation of entries under the SC mandated NRC will be initiated in a structured manner to protect genuine Indian citizens and exclude all illegal immigrants.

Safeguard Assam's political rights through Delimitation Exercise:

Commitment to carry out a Delimitation exercise to protect the political rights of the people of Assam.

To make Assam self-sufficient in the production of essential produce:

Assam Aahar Atmanirbharta Yojana will be launched which will drive the state towards self-sufficiency in essential food items within the next 5 years.

To become India's Fastest Job Creator:

2 lakh Government jobs will be provided to the youth of Assam. Of these, 1 lakh jobs will be immediately provided before 31st March 2022. BJP will also facilitate and enable the provision of 8 lakh livelihoods in the private sector.

Promote Further Entrepreneurship:

The BJP has enabled youths to shine and now the new pledge is to further empower them to dream big, scale newer heights and give them the push to become stakeholders in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

To empower Assam's citizens with Land Rights:

We will distribute Land pattas with requisite rights, to all landless Indian citizens of the state in a phased manner. In the last 5 years, BJP claims to have given land rights to more than 3 lakh people. It further commits to giving Land Pattas to all landless Indian citizens of Assam.

March 22

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has urged the people to give a befitting reply to those who have compromised on the issues relating to safeguarding the interest of indigenous people of the State in the ensuing Assembly elections. Read more

March 22

Only the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) can save Assam from infiltrations, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged the masses to vote for the BJP and its allies. Read more

March 22

The national president of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), J.P.Nadda said that the Congress is doing politics of opportunism and destruction and its only objective is to win elections, instead of developing the State and the country. Read more

March 22

Claiming that "the masses in Assam will vote for the Congress and make it the single-largest party this time", the general secretary of AICC (All India Congress Committee), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday came down heavily on the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) alleging that the saffron party government failed to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of the people of Assam during the last five years of its rule in Assam. Read more

March 22

The Gauhati High Court (GHC) on Monday ordered special instructions concerning transgenders in the state.

The order comes after a PIL filed by advocate Swati Bidhan Baruah. The court further ordered separate rooms for transgenders in Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) if one is required to be admitted.

The order also urged the Election Commission to make special arrangements for transgenders on polling day.

March 22

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided that Bike Rallies shall not be allowed at any place 72 hours before the date of the poll or on the Poll day in all poll going constituencies.

Notably, it has been brought to the notice of the Commission that in some places bikes are used by some antisocial elements to intimidate the voters before the Poll day and or on Poll day.

March 22

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold three rallies in poll-bound Assam on Monday.

Further, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda will also hold rallies in Dibrugarh, Jorhat and Biswanath Charali today.

The Union Minister is scheduled to address three mega rallies on Jonai, Majuli, and Udalguri. In Jonai, Shah will attend the public meeting at 11.30 AM in Silapathar H.S. Residential School. In Majuli, Shah will address the public gathering in Phulani Ground at 12.50 PM.

Following this, the minister is slated to attend a meeting at 2.45 PM in Nalbari playground in Udalguri.

March 21

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday attended a poll rally at Nazira to campaign in favour of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Mayur Borgohain where he said that the BJP candidate fulfilled his poll promises with dedication. He said that BJP was synonymous with development, harmony and belief, stated a press release. Read more

March 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a blistering attack on Congress "for the damage they had perpetrated to the Tea industry in Assam during its 50 years of governance". Read more

March 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the BJP's "double-engine government" will make the State "Aatmanirbhar". Modi further announced, "Dusri bar BJP Sarkar, dusri bar NDA Sarkar and dusri bar double-engine Sarkar". He also added that there was "double neglect, double corruption" when the Congress-led government was at the Centre and in Assam. Read more

March 21

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Urban Development, Pijush Hazarika called upon the people of Lakhimpur Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) to make Manab Deka winner by a huge margin of votes in order to ensure comprehensive development of the LAC. Read more

March 21

Prominent indigenous Muslims have warned that the present divisive politics on the lines of religion will destroy Assam. "Late Begum Mofida Ahmed was the first woman Parliamentarian from Assam. Ahmed was elected as an MP from Jorhat Constituency in 1957. There were many other Muslim MPs and MLAs from the Hindu majority Constituencies. Read more

March 20

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 1 lakh youths of the state will get government jobs by March 31, 2022, if BJP is voted back to power.

Addressing an election rally at Bihpuria, he said, "I take the responsibility to give government jobs to 1 lakh youths by March 31, 2022. They don't need to pay a penny as a bribe. In Congress times, people didn't get APSC jobs even after paying Rs. 1 crore. But today, even the son of rickshaw puller can become ACS."

March 20

Former Assam minister and four-time MLA Gautam Bora resigned from the Congress party after the said former minister was denied a ticket from the Batadrava constituency.

In the resignation letter, addressed to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Ripun Bora, the former Batadrava MLA resigned from the primary membership and all the other posts of the Indian National Congress.

Notably, in 2016, Angoorlata Deka defeated Gautam Bora with a margin of 5,885. While Angoorlata netted 46,343 votes, Gautam Bora got 40,458 votes.

March 20

PM Narendra Modi is set to address a rally on Saturday in Assam's Chabua.

The rally is scheduled to be held at 2:30 PM at Chabua and will elaborate on BJP's development agenda in the last 4 years.

March 20

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday will release the party's manifesto for the upcoming Assam elections.

The manifesto will be released at the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee office in Guwahati at 5 PM.

March 19

The high-voltage submission of nominations for the third and final phase of the State Assembly poll concluded on Friday. A few heavyweights, including Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for Jalukbari and AGP Minister Phani Bhushan Choudhury for Bongaigaon, were among those who filed their nominations on Friday. Read more

March 19

As the countdown begins for march 27, enforcement and regulatory authorities have made cumulative seizures of cash, liquor, narcotics and jewellery worth Rs. 75 crores.

From February 26 to March 18 cash amounting to Rs. 16.14 crores have been seized and liquor worth Rs. 19.21 crores have been confiscated.

March 19

NEDA Convener and BJP candidate from Jalukbari constituency Himanta Biswa Sarma filed his nomination papers for the Assam Assembly election at the Deputy Commissioner's office, Guwahati.

It is to be mentioned here that the incumbent minister took out a massive rally from Sonaram field, Bharalumukh with thousands of supporters participating in the rally.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Manipur CM N Biren Singh, BJP Assam in-charge Baijayant Jay Panda was also present along with Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and his son during his nomination submission.

March 19

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while interacting with the college students at Lahowal in Dibrugarh, Assam said, "Youth should actively participate in politics&fight for Assam when you feel State is being robbed. You'll have to fight with love, not with stones, lathis."

Further, the leader said that we can't ask the people of Assam to forget their culture, language if they (BJP) come to Delhi. One force, born in Nagpur, is now trying to control the whole country.

March 19

Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Kamakhya Devalaya and Doul Govinda temple in Guwahati and offered prayers before filing his nomination paper.

The finance minister of the state of Assam will be filing his nomination papers today at the DC office in Panbazar.

Notably, several political leaders along with thousands of party workers and supporters will be accompanying him.

March 18

The BJP Assam Pradesh has expelled as many as 15 leaders of the party, including MLA Dilip Paul, for contesting the Assembly election against official party candidates and indulging in anti-party activities. Read more

March 18

Intoxicants will be strictly prohibited on the days of polling, re-polling and counting of votes during the Assembly election in the State. The Under Secretary of the Excise department sent a message to the Superintendents of Excise of all districts to this effect recently. Read more

March 18

Postal voting for the first phase of the Assam Assembly election has been underway since Tuesday (March 16) in all the 47 LACs (Legislative Assembly Constituencies) set for polling in this phase. Read more

March 17

In their craze for election tickets, some leaders are shifting their party loyalty overnight leaving their supporters in the lurch, let alone the voters across the State. Examples are ample: Take the Golaghat LAC (Legislative Assembly Constituency) as a case study. This LAC has 2,02,146 voters. Read more

March 17

Speaking at a rally in Titabor, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the people of Titabor needs development and Assam BJP's candidate, Hemanta Kalita will wrest the seat from the corrupt Congress.

The CM also said that he is glad that people have come out in large numbers at the campaign rally in support of our party candidate.

March 17

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be addressing rallies in poll-bound Assam today. The BJP leader will campaign for the candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections in constituencies Hojai, Kalaigaon, and Rangiya.

March 16

Former BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary took part in an election campaign for Congress (I) candidate for Dhekiajuli constituency, Benudhar Nath at Aboi Centre of Batasipur Near Dhekiajuli town. Read more

March 16

Since the announcement of the election on February 26, 2021 Assam Police, State Excise Department, Income Tax Department, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Narcotics Control Bureau, Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams and other regulatory agencies have detected several suspicious movements of cash, liquor, valuables, narcotics and other items across the poll-bound state. Read more

March 16

During the three-phase Assembly elections across the State, the ECI (Election Commission of India) has directed that webcasting, CCTV coverage, videography and digital cameras will be deployed inside the critical polling booths as well as those in the vulnerable areas. This measure has been initiated to closely monitor the proceedings on the poll day without violating the secrecy of the voting process. Read more

March 16

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the people of the State have already started witnessing the 'positive changes' which are the results of promises that the BJP -led government in Assam made in 2016. He said this while campaigning for the candidates of the BJP and its allies at Thowra, Amguri, Mariani, Titabar and Jorhat on Tuesday. Read more

March 16

In the nomination papers of the total 649 candidates for the second phase of Assam assembly polls currently, 377 stands valid, a spokesperson of the office of the Chief Electoral Officer said on March 16.

Meanwhile, the last date of withdrawal for the second phase is March 17.

March 16

The United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) on Tuesday released a list of candidates for the third phase of the ensuing Assam Assembly elections slated to be held on April 6.

March 16

Senior BJP leader and Assam finance minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said Bora can be a chief minister but in Bangladesh.

"Yesterday all the people in Gohpur said—we will make Ripun Bora CM, but in Bangladesh," Dr Sarma said on Tuesday. Ripun Bora has been contesting Gohpur for the Assam assembly elections.

March 15

Demanding that all political parties must announce their stand on CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), the AASU (All Assam Students' Union) has decided to take out bike rallies against the Act, across the State on March 20. Read more

March 15

The APCC (Assam Pradesh Congress Committee) released its first video advertisement, which is being aired across platforms, following a traditional Assamese narrative, from intrinsic indigenous culture. Read more

March 15

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that developmental activities have stepped up in Assam as insurgency and terror have declined in the State over the years. Read more

March 14

Sounding the poll bugle at Margherita in Tinsukia district here on Sunday afternoon, Union Home Minister Amit Shah went hammer and tongs at the Congress and its alliance political parties. Shah asserted that there will be no more agitations in the State and infiltration will be a thing of the past in the next five years if the BJP is voted in power. Read more

March 14

The three LACs (Legislative Assembly Constituencies) of Hailakandi, Algapur and Katlicherra in the district of Hailakandi also under Karimganj Parliamentary Constituency will pose a thorny battleground for the alliance of BJP-AGP (Bharatiya Janata Party- Asom Gana Parishad). Read more

March 13

The BJP has set its eyes on around 40 of the 47 Assembly seats which are going to poll in the first phase in Upper Assam and the North Bank on March 27. Read more

March 13

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) is not a Muslim party rather it represents tribals and Hindus as well, said the party chief Badruddin Ajmal.

Talking to the media, Ajmal said, "AIUDF is a Muslim party– is a piece of 20-year-old news. We have been giving tickets to Hindu and tribal people for MP and MLA elections. Our women's wing president belongs to the tribal community.

March 13

The Congress on Friday night released a list of 30-star campaigners for the Assam assembly elections.

The list includes the name of the interim president of the party, Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi. Apart from this, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sachin Pilot, Navjot Singh Sidhu are also among the Congress star campaigners for Assam.

Among others, top Congress leaders from Northeast states including former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma and former Arunachal Pradesh CM Nabam Tuki also joined the party's campaigning in Assam. Read more

March 13

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Central Election Committee will declare on Saturday the third list of candidates for the Assam assembly polls.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, State President Ranjeet Dass will attend the meeting with JP Nadda. Notably, the party will declare the list of candidates for 19 constituencies.

March 12

Under the supervision of the Election Commission of India, round-the-clock vigilance has been maintained to enforce expenditure monitoring directions of ECI, in a bid to ensure a free, fair and safe election in Assam. Read more

March 12

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that Assam is safe till the BJP is in power. Sonowal today attended a huge public rally in Morigaon before filing nomination papers by BJP candidate Pijush Hazarika from Jagiroad LAC. Read more

March 12

Tezpur MLA Brindaban Goswami who filed for nomination as an independent candidate for the upcoming Assam Assembly election withdrew his nomination on March 12.

Earlier, the AGP leader filed a nomination after he was denied a ticket from the seat by the regional party.

The AGP has fielded Prithiraj Rava instead of Goswami from Tezpur.

March 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will be holding a massive election campaign in the poll-bound states of Assam, West Bengal and Kerala starting next week till the end of the month.

March 12

Union Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Assam on March 14 to campaign for the upcoming assembly elections 2021.

The minister will participate in public rallies in Biswanath, Gohpur and Dergaon.

Singh will campaign for Pramod Borthakur in Biswanath post which he will head to Gohpur to campaign for Utpal Borah.

March 12

After the Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party denied ticket to incumbent BJP MLA Shiladitya Dev, Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and NEDA Convener Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the formers Lanka residence.

Further Himanta Biswa was accompanied by BJP General Secretary Dilip Saikia.

"I want to tell to the people of Assam that Shiladitya Dev was and still is an active member of the BJP, " said Himanata Biswa.

Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Dilip Saikia said, "Shiladitya Dev and Sushil Dutta both are part of the BJP party in Assam. However, as the BJP is a national party we had to take a few drastic decision and let go few of the incumbent MLA's from contesting this election."

"We will establish Shiladitya Dev in our upcoming government in any of the important department in the coming days, and that is what our party has decided, " he added.

March 11

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal dashed off from Guwahati to Silchar to stand in one frame with the party candidates of 7 assembly constituencies of Cachar and share with them the dais at DSA ground in front of the large gathering of their supporters and workers. Read more

March 11

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday launched its 'Congressor 5 Guarantee' Yatra, in the State. Read more

March 11

Dispur has the highest number of voters among the 4 Guwahati constituencies of electors at 4,06,556.

Gauhati West has 2,92,131 voters. Jalukbari has 2,02,400 voters. Gauhati East has 2,36,289 voters.

Notably, the city has witnessed a rise of over 1 lakh in electors in Guwahati compared to the last elections.

March 11

BJP vice president and Assam in-charge Baijayant Panda has said that the party's mission to get 100-plus seats in Assam is well within the party's reach. And, he has attributed it to the unprecedented focus on the Northeast by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has visited to the region as many as 45 times as of now. Read more

March 11

After AJP's candidate, Alok Ghosh nomination was cancelled from the Mariani constituency, the said candidate has reportedly suffered a heart attack.

The nomination paper of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP)'s Mariani constituency candidate Alok Kumar Ghose was cancelled on Wednesday.

The nomination paper was cancelled as it was found to be incomplete for a second time. Ghose was asked to submit his documents a second time as it was found to be incomplete the first time well.

The declaration was made by Ashim Buragohain, returning officer of 101 Mariani Legislative Assembly constituency.

March 11

The AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) on Thursday announced the names of six candidates for the second-phase Assembly polls slated on April 1. Read more

March 11

Senior Congress leader and former minister Ardhendu Kumar Dey quit the Congress party and submitted his resignation letter to Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora.

"For the immoral and dishonesty of some of the insiders in Congress party, it is not possible on my part to remain in the same party. As such I resign from the Congress party with immediate effect," said Dey in his letter.

March 11

The Assam Congress has decided to give away 12 seats to Bodoland People's Front chief Hagrama Mohilary to get support in those seats in Assam where Bodo community votes are a factor.

According to reports, APCC president Ripun Bora and Assam Incharge Bhanwar Jitendra Singh had a meeting in Guwahati where seat sharing and other cooperation was discussed.

Further, the APCC president said that as Congress had fewer chances of winning in a few constituencies that they wanted to contest from BTR areas they will let Hagrama have the seats and decide its candidates.

March 10

The president of AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), Badruddin Ajmal has appealed to all workers of the party to go all out to root out the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in the Assam Assembly election. Ajmal made this appeal to his party leaders to enthuse them. Read more

March 10

There's a real buzz in the Assam Secretariat as to who'll be the next CM? Top bureaucrats to lower-rung officers raise their ears to hear a response to this query with the adjunct "Any idea?" Read more

March 10

The sudden visit of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Education & Finance, to Silchar on Tuesday evening has surprised many, including the inquisitive media. Read more

March 10

Dissidence is growing in the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) after the party announced its candidates for various Assembly seats across the State. A sense of displeasure, accompanied by desertion, is gathering steam in the party concerning poll candidatures. Read more

March 10

In order to facilitate the electorates in identifying their candidates during the time of polling, the voting panels of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) will be featuring also the photographs of candidates in each LAC (Legislative Assembly Constituency). Read more

March 10

The people of Assam and India taught the party a good lesson in the last elections. The Congress has no future," stated Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Lakhimpur on Tuesday. Read more

March 9

While BJP is trying to get a strong foothold in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal as well as in the union territory of Puducherry, it's battle in Assam will be crucial for more than one reason. Read more

March 9

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has granted postal-ballot facilities to the media persons authorized by the former for the poll day. The ECI has notified the category of electors under clause (C) of Section - 60 of the Representation of People Act, 1951. Read more

March 9

The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) on Tuesday announced the first list of 20-star campaigners for the party and its alliance partners during the three-phase election to Assam Assembly slated on March 27, April 1 and April 6. Read more

March 9

The RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) has fielded Hira Devi Choudhury for the Tinsukia LAC. This development has taken place in agreement with the Congress-led 'Mahajoot'. Read more

March 9

Lurinjyoti Gogoi, the president of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), has expressed the hope that Assam would witness a political change as the people have seen enough communal politics of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), corruption of the Congress and fake regionalism of the AGP (Asom Gana Parishad). Read more

March 9

The ECI (Election Commission of India) has okayed 11 more documents besides the EPICs (Electors Photo Identity Cards) for the identification of electors at the polling stations before casting their votes. Read more

March 9

Paid Holiday declared on poll days for Assam Assembly Elections on March 9.

The Government of Assam has declared the poll days for the General Election of Assam Legislative Assembly, 2021 as paid holidays to enable the workers/employees to cast their votes.

Accordingly. the poll day for 1' phase i.e. 27 March. 2021, 2nd phase i.e. 01 April 2021 and 3rd phase i.e. 6 April 2021 will be paid holiday in all factories, plantations (including tea plantations), shops & commercial establishments, establishment, public entertainment or amusements, contractors establishment, firms and such other industries/workshops, commercial and business establishments and banking Institutions etc.

March 9

According to a Times Now and C-Voter survey, the upcoming Assam Assembly Election 2021 is expected to witness a fierce contest between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Congress headed United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

Notably, the pre-poll survey projected the NDA to win by a narrow margin. The survey further has projected the NDA to win 67 constituencies, UPA 57 and Others 2, in the 126-member Assam Assembly.

The NDA had won 74 Assembly segments in the 2016 Assam elections and the UPA had bagged 39.

March 8

State Handloom and Textile Minister Ranjit Dutta filed his nomination for Behali LAC on Monday at the office of the Election Officer, Biswanath Chariali. Read more

March 8

The national general secretary of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and also Member of Parliament (MP) Dilip Saikia on Monday accused the Congress of dumping the ideology of Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi by forging an alliance with the AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front). Read more

March 8

In a bid to encourage female voters to exercise their franchise, the Kamrup Metropolitan Election District has set up 125 all-women polling booths. Read more.

March 8

An amount of Rs. 1,93,200 was seized from a Bolero pick-up by a Flying Squad led by Dhrubajyoti Borah during regular checking of vehicles at Genjengaguri in Dhekiajuli, early on Monday morning. Read more

March 8

With the Assembly election dates approaching fast, the ruling alliance in the State has intensified its political attack on the Opposition. Read more

March 8

For the second-phase elections slated on April 10, the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) has declared the names of two-party candidates who will contest from the Udalguri district. Read more

March 8

With just one more day left for the filing of nomination papers for the first-phase Assembly polls in the State slated on March 27, a number of top leaders of various political parties filed their papers on Monday. Read more

March 8

The wife of former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, Jayashree Goswami Mahanta on Monday said that her husband will not contest the ensuing Assembly elections from his present constituency Barhampur. Read more

March 8

Tea garden workers are set to play a decisive role in many constituencies in the Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam. Keeping this in mind, all the parties including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, are trying to lure them. Read more

March 8

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) leader Siddique Ahmed has resigned from the party on March 8.

Notably, Ahmed who is the General Secretary of AIUDF Central Committee and District President of Morigaon was denied a party ticket to contest from the Laharighat constituency.

Earlier on Sunday, the AIUDF has released its first list of candidates who would be contesting in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

March 7

The INC (Indian National Congress), Dima Hasao District Congress Committee and Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC), Dima Hasao District Committee has agreed to work together in the ensuing Assam Assembly Election 2021 as allies. Read more

March 7

NRMPI to Field 30 Candidates for 2nd & 3rd Phases of Assam Assembly Polls

National Road Map Party of India (NRMPI) is going to field candidates in 30 constituencies for the second and the third phases of the Assam Legislative Assembly election, announced by the party's national general secretary Md. Shakil Ahmad at a press meet on Sunday. Read more

March 7

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for laying the foundation stone of the Phulbari-Dhubri Bridge, AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) president Badruddin Ajmal has said that it is the greatest achievement in his stint as a parliamentarian. Read more

March 7

"Our united fight will defeat the 'Mahajoot'," proclaimed leaders of the BJP-AGP-UPPL alliance during a joint press meet here on Sunday. Further appealing to the grassroots party members, the leaders added, "Bury all differences revolving around the seat-sharing strategies among us." Read more

March 7

The president of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Lurinjyoti Gogoi will contest the ensuing Assembly elections from two constituencies — Duliajan and Naharkotia.

As per the first list of 18 candidates of the AJP announced on March 5 Lurinjyoti is fighting the polls from Duliajan. Read more

March 7

The ECI (Election Commission of India) will provide 'Voter Information Slips' to each electorate. This move will facilitate the voter to know the serial number of the electoral roll of his/her polling station, time and date of poll, and other necessary details. Read more

March 7

Bhaskarjyoti Barua will fight from Titabor which has always been represented by former three-time chief minister Tarun Gogoi who passed away recently in November 2020.

Meanwhile, the candidate for Naoboicha is former minister Bharat Chandra Narah and for Dhakuakhana, the nominee is Padma Lochan Doley.

Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah is an old Congressman and a tea planter by profession and has several gardens in Upper Assam. Read more

March 7

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has released its first list of candidates who would be contesting in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

The party's first list comprises 16 candidates. Read more

March 7

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has announced their first list of candidates who would be contesting in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

Here is the first list –

March 6

Congress has released the names of 40 candidates for the first phase of Assam Legislative Assembly Elections 2021

The complete list of the constituencies and candidates from Congress are as mentioned below:-

March 7

Akhil Gogoi will be contesting the upcoming Assam Assembly elections from the Sivasagar constituency.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the founding president of the Raijor Dal is also said to be contesting from Mariani.

The complete list of the constituencies and candidates from Raijor Dal are as mentioned below:-

March 6

Former Assam Sahitya Sabha President Paramananda Rajbongshi has quit the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and has reportedly joined the BJP.

Earlier in November 2020, Rajbongshi joined the AGP in the presence of party president Atul Bora and working president Keshab Mahanta at party headquarters in Guwahati.

According to sources, Rajbongshi will contest from the Sipajhar constituency in the upcoming polls.

March 6

Akhil Gogoi led-Raijor Dal will contest from 18 constituencies in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections 2021.

Addressing a presser, Raijor Dal Working President Bhasko D Saikia on March 6 said that the party will contest 12 constituencies in the first phase and the rest 6 in the second phase.

March 5

The BPF (Bodoland People's Front) has decided to support the candidates of the 'Mahajoot' outside the BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region) during the Assembly elections. Read more

March 5

Ending all speculations, the much-awaited BJP-AGP-UPPL seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Assembly elections has been completed. Leaders of the parties announced the list of 104 seats at the national BJP headquarters

The list has excluded the names of 11 sitting ruling BJP MLAs and a Cabinet Minister. Going by the list, former Chief Minister and founder president of AGP — Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, and present Cabinet Minister Sum Ronhang will not get the tickets from their respective parties.

The AGP has left the five seats of Barhampur, Naharkotia, Kamalpur, Lakhimpur and Patacharkuchi to its ally BJP. As of now, the regional party has its sitting MLAs in all these constituencies. Read more

Meanwhile, AGP TO CONTEST: 26 SEATS

March 5

The BJP has announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections

It is to be mentioned that Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will contest from the Majuli constituency while Himanta Biswa Sarma will contest from his current constituency Jalukbari and state party president Ranjeet Dass will contest from Pathacharkuchi constituency.

Here are a few of the important constituency of the Assam Assembly election and BJP's candidate from these Constituencies:

Golaghat-- Ajanta Neog

Nalbari--Jayanta Malla Barua

Mangaldai---Gurujyoti Das

Jagairoad-- Piyush Hazarika

Nowgong-- Rupak Sarmah

Patacharkuchi-- Ranjeet Dass

Majuli-- Sarbananda Sonowal

Jalukbari--Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma

Dhekiajuli-- Ashok Singhal

Jorhat-- Hitendra Nath Goswami

Silchar-- Dipayan Chakraborty

Here is the complete first list of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Asam Polls

March 5

On the other hand, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) declared 18 candidate's list for the upcoming Asam polls. Read more

March 5

Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, Nitin Khade felicitating the State Icons namely Actor Kapil Bora, Singer Anindita Paul, Cricketer Riyan Parag and para-cyclist Rakesh Banik under SVEEP activities, Election Department, at Janata Bhawan, Dispur.

Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, Nitin Khade also formally handed over Certificate of new enrollment in the Electoral Roll to Riyan Parag, Cricketer and State Icon, Election Department, Assam, in Press Conference today under (SVEEP) activities.

Notably, Nitin Khade also launched election mascots- Bohag & Bohagi and released the theme Song for SVEEP 2021.

The theme song for SVEEP motivates citizens to exercise their right to vote and celebrate it with gaiety whilst they participate in building a stronger, free, fair and safe democracy.

March 5

AIUDF is likely to contest 21 Assembly seats in the upcoming Assam elections. It is to be mentioned that a meeting is underway between Congress, AIUDF, BPF, and the left parties in Guwahati and the announcement of a final list of the Mahajut candidates is yet to be declared.

In the 2016 Assam Assembly election here is the tally of the seats won by the individual party in Assam

March 4

As per the directive of the Supreme Court of India, the ECI (Election Commission of India) has informed the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Assam that candidates with criminal cases – either pending or of conviction in the past – must make such information in the public domain. Read more

March 4

Ahead of the three-phase Assembly election that starts March 27, BJP has reached a seat-sharing formula with its Assam allies- Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and eight to the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL).

Sources said the BJP would contest in 92 of the 126 seats in the Assam Assembly, with 26 going to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and eight to the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL).

Meanwhile, an initial list of 84 BJP candidates has been finalised, and that more details on seats and names of candidates are likely to be announced on Friday.

On the other hand, AGP's two-time former Chief Minister and six-time MLA Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, who is also the founder of the party, might not get a ticket this time.

March 4

5 Cases of MCC Violation Reported in Assam Ahead of Polls

As of date, five cases of MCC violation have been reported in Biswanath, Dibrugarh, Kaliabor, Jorhat and Lakhimpur election district.

The complaint involves: postering in public places, high volume marriage party, scooter distribution to the beneficiary, placing of the banner without NOC and despatching of the blanket in a truck etc. Read more

March 4

Many sitting Congress MLAs in Assam may not get party tickets if their chances to win the election are less, said Congress in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh in Guwahati.

March 3

The Assam Congress on March 4 in a press meet launched a registration drive of the Congress Party's Job Guarantee Programme. Further as per the drive, the leader of the opposition party launched a website for the unemployed youths in the State. Read more

March 3

Congress Uses Picture of Taiwan Tea Garden for Assam Poll Campaign, Sparks Controversy

Ahead of the Assam assembly election, a political war of words has begun between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. Read more

March 3

Three regional parties- Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Raijor Dal and Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) will soon make their seat-sharing arrangement public for the ensuing Assembly elections. Read more

March 3

BJP-AGP Seat Sharing: Amit Shah, Nadda hold marathon meeting in Delhi

Union Home Minister and top BJP leader Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda on Wednesday held a marathon meeting in New Delhi with the leaders of Assam BJP, AGP and UPPL to work out the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing assembly elections in the State. Read more

March 3

Arms license holders asked to deposit firearms to ensure free and fair election

The District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur, Khageswar Pegu has declared prohibition regarding the possession of firearms by exercising his power conferred upon him under section 144 Cr.PC in order to ensure a free and fair election and to maintain law and order. Read more

March 3

Ahead of the Assam Assembly election, Dr Hiren Gohain on Wednesday resigned as the chief advisor of Raijor Dal.

Speaking to the media Dr Gohain said, "Akhil Gogoi's latest decision has gone against my long-term opinion. After this, I won't have little responsibility for any of their actions."

Earlier today Akhil Gogoi in a statement stressed fielding common opposition candidates against the ruling BJP as this would help in dividing vote share.

March 3

President of newly formed Raijor Dal, Akhil Gogoi, on Tuesday, urged opposition parties in Assam to put up joint candidates against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led coalition in the coming Assam assembly polls in order not to divide votes.

Raijor Dol president Akhil Gogoi who is currently under treatment at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital made this request in a letter written to the regional parties. It is to be mentioned that the handwritten letter is currently doing rounds on social media.

Further, the letter was read out to journalists by KMSS and Raijor Dol leader Bhasko D Saikia.

"I appeal to all opposition parties that in order to defeat the communal and fascist BJP we should put up one common candidate against the BJP and its alliance partners. That will help prevent the division of anti-BJP votes. If required, I will not contest the election" said the letter.

"BJP is parallel to AIUDF. In presence of AIUDF BJP will be stronger. Minority people of Assam also realize that BJP will be a strong party in presence of AIUDF. Other regional parties will not ally with Congress-led alliance because of AIUDF," it added.

Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) have decided to contest the election jointly, but have decided to stay away from the Congress-led grand alliance.

March 2

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday issued the notification for the first phase of the elections in 47 Assembly constituencies of Assam scheduled to be held on March 27. Read more

March 2

Congress led 'Mahajoot' to finalize Seat Sharing Soon

The Assam election seat-sharing between the parties in the Congress-led grand alliance or 'Mahajoot' will be finalized within a few days as the last date for filing nomination papers for phase 1 of the polls is March 9, said sources. Read more

March 2

'Static Surveillance Team' and 'Flying Squad' seized money and liquor in Golaghat

The 'Static Surveillance Team' and the 'Flying Squad' deployed in the Golaghat election district seized approximately Rs 2.5 lakh from a four-wheeler in Kamarabandha under Kamarbandha outpost and Golaghat Police Station. The team also seized nine bottles of foreign liquor of various sizes. Read more

March 2

BJP & AGP to finalize Sharing of seats in Delhi today: Himanta Biswa Sarma

The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) will finalize its strategy over sharing of seats for the State Assembly elections on March 3, said Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to media persons here on Tuesday. Read more

March 2

The list of candidates of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance comprising of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) is likely to be released by March 5.

March 2

Congress Promises Free Electricity up to 200 Units in Assam if Voted to Power

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra blowing the poll bugle for the Assam Legislative Assembly election in favour of the Congress-led 'Mahajoot' promised free electricity up to 200 units if voted to power.

Priyanka Gandhi said that the Congress regime if voted to power will work on five agendas and guarantees it to be fulfilled -

1. Congress will implement a law by which the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act will not apply in Assam.

2. Will provide free electricity of up to 200 units per month to each and every household in Assam, which means the people of Assam will be able to save at least Rs 1400 every month.

3. Thirdly to honour the woman of Assam who religiously takes care of the entire family along with the well being of their children, Congress will provide Rs 2000 every month to all the women in Assam.

4. After interacting with the women of the tea tribe community and looking at their health condition, Congress has decided to increase the daily wage to Rs 365.

5. If Congress comes to power at least 5 lakhs of government jobs will come up which is again based on detailed research on the current economic condition of Assam. Read more

March 1

Money & muscle power put under the lens: CEO Nitin Khade

CEO (Chief Electoral Officer) Nitin Khade has reiterated that the misuse of money, muscle and liquor will be under strict vigil in the run-up to and during the Assembly elections in the State. Read more

March 1

IT Dept Set-up Control Room to Curb Use of Black Money for Electoral Purposes

To curb the use of black money for electoral purposes and prevent monetary inducement by any person(s) or parties in the upcoming Assembly election in Assam, the Investigation wing of the Income-tax Department, Guwahati has set up a control room on 24X7 basis till April 6 here. Read more

March 1

Top leaders of the AJP (Assam Jatiya Parishad) and the Raijor Dal discussed poll strategy on seat sharing, here on Monday. Read more

March 1

Hagrama Mohilary magic won't work now: BTR chief Pramod Boro

The chief of BTR and UPPL president, Pramod Boro on Monday said that the magic of BPF president Hagrama Mohilary would not work in this election as the people of the region had come to know the real face of Mohilary and his team. Read more

March 1

Pramila Rani Brahma predicts BJP's downfall in forthcoming Assam Assembly Election

Soon after the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) joined the grand alliance of the Congress, AIUDF, CPI, CPI (M) in Guwahati on Sunday, senior BPF leader and State Soil Conservation and Social Welfare Pramila Rani Brahma predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would sink because of its self-esteem. Read more

March 1

Senior Congress leader Anil Raja has resigned from the membership of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and also from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress.

According to reports, Raja has tendered his resignation to All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi on Monday.

The Congress leader also alleged that the Congress-AIUDF alliance will only demand ministership from AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal.

March 1

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) held a meeting in Guwahati on Monday to discuss the seat-sharing for the upcoming Assam assembly elections.

The meeting was attended by Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. Assam state BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass, BJP national general secretary Dilip Saikia, state organising secretary Phanindranath Sharma, AGP president Atul Bora, senior AGP leaders Keshab Mahanta, Birendra Prasad Baishya and Phani Bhushan Choudhury also attended the meeting.

March 1

Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) president Palash Changmai is likely to join the newly-floated Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) to contest election from the Sonari constituency. The student leader will quit the AJYCP in a day or two.

March 1

A total of 1 lakh 34 thousand banners were removed from different parts of Assam which include 50,927 boarding banners, 73,469 posters and 10,085 wall writings.

March 1

Congress leader and Indian National Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived in Guwahati on Monday morning to launch the party's campaign for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, President, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Ripun Bora on his Twitter wrote, "Warmly welcomed Hon'ble AICC Gen Sec Smt. @PriyankaGandhi at the Guwahati Airport this morning, alongside State Congress leadership & Party workers. Entire Assam is looking forward to her 2 day visit, and the enthusiasm is evident!"

According to reports, Gandhi will later fly to North Lakhimpur and visit Sonari Gaon Panchyat.

The Congress leader is also scheduled to meet PCC OB's, DCC Presidents, BCC Presidents, Mandal Presidents, Senior leaders, Frontals of ten districts in the North Bank and Upper Assam region in North Lakhimpur College playground.

February 28

AJP's publicity secretary Ziaur Rahman has said that the convoy of party president Lurinjyoti Gogoi was attacked at Kalag near Borbhag under Borkhetri LAC (Legislative Assembly Constituency) in Nalbari district on Sunday. Read more

February 28

BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary said they would get an absolute majority in the upcoming Assam polls and form the government with 70 seats.

"We will definitely form the government. We have to oust the BJP from Assam. Sixty-four seats are required to form the government. We will get 70," Mohilary said during a press conference in Guwahati on Sunday.

February 28

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Assam on Monday (March 1) to campaign for party candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections slated to be held from March 27. Read more

February 28

The newly floated political party, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) released the party's registration number and symbol of a 'Ship' allotted to the party by the Election Commission of India for the upcoming state legislative assembly elections.

At a press conference, AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi along with other party members released the party symbol and the registration number 56/161/2020-2021/PPS-1. Read more

February 27

Dima Hasao all set for Assam Assembly Election 2021

Dima Hasao district which falls under the 16 Haflong (ST) LAC will vote in the second phase on April 1 as informed by the DEO cum Deputy Commissioner Paul Barua, while addressing the press at the DC conference hall, Haflong on Saturday. Read more

February 27

In a major twist, just ahead of the Assam Assembly election 2021, the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) on Saturday snapped its ties with BJP and joined the Congress-led Grand Alliance.

It is to be mentioned that BPF has 12 seats in the current Assembly and three ministers in the Sarbananda Sonowal-led government.

"To work for peace, unity and development, the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) has decided to join hands with MAHAJATH in the forthcoming Assam Assembly Election. We shall no longer maintain friendship or alliance with BJP," said BPF president Hagrama Mohilary in a tweet.

February 26

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Tejashwi Yadav reached Guwahati on February 27 and was welcomed by the state Congress party to the state.

As per reports, the RJD Chief is conducting meetings with the regional parties of Assam including the Congress-AIUDF led coalition party.

The national secretary of RJD Shyam Rajak has been in Guwahati for the last two days and according to a media report that Yadav has conducted meetings on Friday evening with regional parties and scheduled to hold more meetings.

February 26

Prominent Bodoland People's Front (BPF) leader Keshab Rajbangshi, who is sitting president of Tamulpur District BPF, on Friday submitted an application seeking a party ticket from No. 58 Tamulpur LAC for the forthcoming election. Read more

February 26

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for the Assam assembly election 2021 in a press conference scheduled at 04:30 pm on Friday in New Delhi.

As per the commission, Assam Assembly elections 2021 to be held in 3 phases and the elections to be held on March 27, April 1 and April 6 and the countings on May 2, 2021.

Assam Election First Phase Dates - 47 Acs (ACS 71-78, 83-85, 88, 89, 93-126)

Assam Election Second Phase Dates - 39 Acs (ACS 1-20, 56, 57, 59, 64-70, 79-82, 86, 87, 90-92)

Assam Election Third Phase Dates - 40 Acs (ACS 21-55, 58, 60-63)

The observer of the Assam election will be S.Srinivasan, IAS, 1980 batch.

Sunil Arora also said that taking due consideration of the festival of the state the commission always tries to have harmonious sync with the respective states.

Model Code of Conduct to come into force immediately after the announcement of the election dates.

Meanwhile, Rs. 30.8 lakhs is the expenditure limit that has been set by the Election Commission of India.

In the 2016 Assam assembly election number of polling station as at 24,890 but now due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase of voters it has increased to 33,530 polling station, percentage-wise growth of 34.71.

The Elections to be held for 126 Assembly seats in which the ruling party, BJP is eyeing 100+ seats.

As per the Assam Polls 2016 seat-sharing in numbers:

BJP – 60,

CONG – 26,

AIUDF – 13,

AGP – 14,

BPF – 12, IND – 1

TOTAL - 126

Earlier Assam polls held in 2 phases. This time it's 3 phases. Assam declared a disturbed area so additional forces and police observer appointed.

Assam polls 2016 Vote share in percentage

CONG 31%

BJP 30%

AGP 8%

AUIDF 13%

Voter turnout: 83.9%

Guidelines by EC for upcoming elections

Guidelines to be followed for the upcoming elections:

*Door-to-door campaigning to be restricted to five persons including the candidate.

*Roadshows allowed

*Separate norms for suspected Covid-19 patients.

*Polling officials to be vaccinated.

(In Assam, territorial determination of Assembly Constituencies is as per Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 1976)

In wake of Assam Assembly Elections 2021, the list of visitors also includes Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. While the Bhartiya Janata Party, BJP is trying to make its grip stronger in the state, the Congress, on the other hand, have initiated a 'grand alliance' with parties like AIUDF, CPI, CPI (M), CPI (ML) and Anchalik Gana Morcha. However, the political scenario for Assam poll has taken a new turn with the emergence of the regional parties like Assam Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal. [Also Read - Assam Assembly Election 2021 Opinion Poll]

The BJP is currently the single largest party in the 126-member Assam house with 60 MLAs, while its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and BPF now have 13 and 11 lawmakers respectively. To understand the nuances of the political scenario in the state ahead of the Assam Assembly Poll 2021, let's have a look at the timeline of the Assam political developments in the state so far.

Take a look at the political developments and schemes launched by the state government in calendar order:

February 2021

Born out of the ant-Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the year saw the joining of the two regional parties AJP and Raijor Dal. The BJP has been on a spree of wooing voters by making the parties hold stronger in the state. While Congress has kept its door open for the regional parties, AJP and Raijor Dal seem to be in no mood to join the 'grand alliance'.

February 2: BJP appointed Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar as the Election In-Charge of Assam. DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh was appointed as the additional in-charge of the Assam Assembly Election.

February 4: The AJP and the Raijor Dal have joined hands to contest the Assembly polls. Informing about the amalgamation of both the parties, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said that the party has already tied up with the Autonomous State Demand Committee for the polls and talks are on with the BPF.

February 5:

• Taking a jibe at the AJP, the BJP said that the party has put a strain on its regional character by forging an alliance with the Raijor Dal.

• Meanwhile, Congress, AIUDF, Anchalik Gana Marcha and left parties meet Akhil Gogoi at GMCH where he is undergoing treatment, however, they did not receive any positive response from the Raijor Dal leader.

February 6: With an eye on the polls ahead the BJP government gifts cash to over 7 lakh Assam tea workers community. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman initiated the ceremonial distribution ceremony of the Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar Mela in Guwahati.

February 7: With the elections just around the corner, PM Modi pays another visit to the state at Dhekiajuli. During his visit, Modi launched the 'Asom Mala' programme and laid the foundation stones for medical college and hospital in Biswanath and Charaideo.

February 9: Congress launches a campaign called, "Assam Bachao Ahok" against the ruling BJP-led coalition. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi claimed that the next government will be formed by the 'grand alliance' and the next chief minister will be from the Congress Party.

February 11:

• Amit Shah reached Guwahati to begin his two-day election tour of Assam and West Bengal. The Union Minister also met Ananta Ray, the self-proclaimed king and heir of Koch-Rajbongshi, in Bongaigaon.

• Congress Leader Debabrata Saikia loses the "Leader of Opposition" status as the strength of Congress in the State Assembly has been reduced to 19, which is less than one-sixth of the total strength of 126 in the House.

As the Assembly Elections are nearing political parties are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters. BJP has announced and implemented a slew of measures; however, it remains close-mouthed in regard to the CAA as this may create a stir in the state. It may be noted here, that Home Minister Amit Shah on his recent visit to West Bengal, informed that the rules for the CAA will soon be implemented after the culmination of the Covid vaccination drive.

Contrary to that the rise of the regional parties is a reminder about the same law that has created an uproar in the nation with its epicentre being Assam and the northeast. The Congress on the other hand has joined hands with other parties to oust the saffron party. Nevertheless, it would be crucial to observe what course of action the political development takes ahead of the 2021 Assembly Elections.

February 13:

• The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Friday began their proposed 'Axom Basaon Ahok' Yatra from Batadrava Than in Nagaon district.

"Today all of us are united in saving Assam from corruption, cronyism and majoritarianism. Started the 'Axom Basaon Ahok' yatra from Batadrava," tweeted Gaurav Gogoi as the Yatra started.

February 14:

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made it clear that the ruling BJP will not have any alliance with its existing ally Bodoland People's Front (BPF) in the upcoming Assembly polls in the state.

"We have been telling it many times that our alliance with BPF was for five years only and both sides were committed to it. They are still in our government and it is healthy politics," the BJP leader said.

The BJP is currently the single largest party in the 126-member Assam house with 60 MLAs, while its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and BPF now have 13 and 11 lawmakers respectively.

February 14:

Congress launched its election campaign in poll-bound Assam with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's rally in Sivsagar earlier today.

The former Congress President started his poll campaign at Sivasagar Boarding Field. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were seen wearing 'No CAA' gamosas during the rally. This is the first visit of Rahul Gandhi to Assam this year.

Addressing the rally, Rahul Gandhi said no power can break the state while addressing a public rally. He added that whoever attempts to touch Assam Accord or spread hatred will be taught a lesson by his party and the people of Assam. Gandhi asserted that the party is set to protect the principles of the Assam Accord. He said, "The Congress leaders and I will defend and protect the principles of the Assam Accord. We will not retreat one inch."

February 17:

The Congress has set a target of collecting 50 lakh 'gamosas' to be displayed at the proposed memorial for people killed during the anti-CAA movement in December 2019.

"We are building an anti-CAA memorial in Guwahati. I request every Assamese to share gamosas with your anti-CAA message on it and send it to us," Kaliabor MP and former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's son, Gaurav Gogoi, said at a party meeting in north-eastern Assam's Bihpuria town.

February 18

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday invited applications from Assamese architects to plan and design the upcoming Martyrs' memorial that the party has vowed to construct after it comes to power in April-May this year.

"Calling all Assamese architects based anywhere in the world. Assam needs you. Send in your model image for the grand anti-CAA monument the Congress will build in Guwahati after winning the election," Ripun Bora said in a tweet," said party president Ripun Bora.

February 18

Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Assam finance and health minister Himanata Biswa Sarma said that he does not wish to contest the 2021 assembly election.

However, if the party decides to field him to contest the poll which is likely to be held in March-April he will honour its decision. Speaking to reporters, the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) said, "On my birthday on February 1, 2020, I gave a letter to Ranjeet Dass (Assam BJP state president) saying that I don't want to fight the 2021 assembly polls. This is not known to my wife or son or any family member till now. I am making it public for the first time."

February 22

Ahead of the Assam State Assembly election, PM Modi visited the state and virtually inaugurated three major projects in the oil sector in Assam and the Dhemaji Engineering College.

Meanwhile, speaking at the rally, PM Modi said that the Election Commission of India is likely to announce the election dates in the state in the first week of March.

February 23

Assam state minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at a political rally in Bokajan, Asam said, "Under the reign of the BJP government, the work which you saw in 5 years was done despite we being a new government here."

"First-time BJP came to Assam and whatever work that you saw is just the trailer of the film, in the next 5 years, we will see the actual film," the minister added.

Further, the minister said that the real big picture is yet to come.

February 24

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has send-off 20 companies of Central Security Forces (CSF) to Assam.

The 20 companies have comprises 76 personnel each.

February 24

The Assam Congress has collected over 1 lakh Anti-CAA Gamosas through its door-to-door collection drive.

"Resonating with the plight of the people in Assam, the Congress cadres have been able to garner over one lakh gamosa through its door-to-door collection drive. In just a few days, people from across the State have poured their sentiments, on their Gamosas and handed them over to various senior Congress leaders, marking their dissent against the draconian Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) introduced by the BJP Government," the Congress said in a statement.

February 24

The Lakhimpur District Congress Committee (LDCC) resorted to four-day-long protest programmes across North Lakhimpur from February 21 till day. On Wednesday, the activists and the supporters of the political party, under the banner of LDCC, staged a protest in the Khelmati Petrol Pump premises and demanded the governments at the Centre and in the State to control the sky-rocketing prices of petro-products and the essential commodities at earliest for the sake of the common people.

February 24

At a time when alliance party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned and make it public to contest in the upcoming assembly poll with its own candidate from No. 111 Lakhimpur Assembly Constituency, existing Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MLA Utpal Dutta denied giving up the constituency to BJP under any conditions. He declared that he would contest in the election from Lakhimpur in the upcoming assembly election and his victory was confirmed. Read more

February 25

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 25 while addressing a rally in Nagaon indirect;y said that regional parties like Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Raijor Dal as parties of agitators.

Further, the minister blamed Congress for helping the newly floated parties to contest the upcoming Asam Assembly election.

"Their aim is to make Congress win. Everyone knows that they can't form a government, they themselves know it but it's sad that they're trying to reduce BJP's vote share to make Congress win, the mister added.

February 25

With the Assam assembly election 2021 round the corner, there is palpable enthusiasm among the voters of Paneri LAC as to whom the major political parties will give their tickets, where incumbent Bodoland People's Front (BPF) MLA Kamali Basumatary is in her fourth consecutive term. Read more

February 26

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to announce the dates for the Assam assembly election 2021 in a press conference scheduled at 04:30 pm on Friday in New Delhi.

January 2021

Another major development that took place was Congress' association with the five parties. The Congress-led 'Grand Alliance' is hopeful that it will defeat the saffron party by gaining a majority in the upcoming Assam Assembly Elections, 2021.

While the alliance has been denounced by many including the BJP, Congress has opened its door for the regional parties that are willing to join the alliance to dislodge the BJP.

BJP, on the other hand, is assured that such an alliance will not affect the party's strength. As reported by The Sentinel, Assam BJP President Ranjit Dass was quoted as saying, "Similar grand alliances were forged earlier, and it didn't affect the BJP or the NDA. The people have blessed the party with their votes. We have taken a target to achieve more than 100 seats through our A+A=100 model. A+A means the achievement of the government and activities of the party. Under both the A's we are planning to achieve our mission 100+ goal."

January 2: NEDA Convener Himanta Biswa Sarma, announces that BJP and UPPL would fight together with opponents in the ensuing State Assembly elections.

January 9: In a three-day convention held by the Raijor Dal, in Moran, jailed KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi was named as its President.

January 11: BJP National President JP Nadda initiated the poll campaign in Assam with his maiden visit to Silchar. However, he faced backlash after he claimed that the centre has granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in the state. It needs to be mentioned here that the consultation with stakeholders for the granting of the status to the communities namely, Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran and Tea Tribes was still on.

January 19: Congress formally announces an alliance with five parties, namely, AIUDF, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) and Anchalik Gana Morcha to dislodge the BJP ahead of the elections.

January 23: Giving a boost to the BJP election campaign in Assam, PM Modi who arrived in Assam launched a drive to distribute land pattas to 1.06 lakhs of indigenous people of Assam in Jerenga Pather in Sivasagar District.

January 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended a rally organized in Kokrajhar, Assam to celebrate the first anniversary of the historic BTR agreement

January 30: On the sidelines of the distribution of appointment letters to 4,511 teachers, Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that the BJP is not in need of votes from the 'Miya' people. He further added that 'Miya Muslims' will not vote for the BJP. The BJP will also field a few candidates in the 'Miya' dominated constituencies, informed Sarma.

December 2020

The countdown to the Assam Assembly Election started with the elections of the newly formed BTR. The election to the 40 seats in the BTC was held in two phases. This was the first election after the signing of the BTR Accord on January 27, 2020, that brought an end to the decades-long conflict between the government and the armed groups. The Accord aimed to bring in new reforms and governance in the autonomous district council or the BTR. The signatories of the Accord were the four factions of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) on one hand and the Assam Government and the Central Government on the other.

While the Accord was signed to bring peace to the region it rather ensued a political upheaval in the region, with allies standing against each other.

Once a key ally, Hagrama Mohiliary led BPF has been on sour terms with BJP led Assam Government.

Even though the BPF emerged as the single largest party, the BJP ditched its ally and formed an alliance with the UPPL and GSP which staked claim to form its government in the region. The election also marked the fall of the BPF which was the longest-serving party in the region since 2003. BJP also managed to maintain its winning feat in the Tiwa Autonomous Council (TAC).

December 7: The first phase of BTC elections for 21 seats was held in Udalguri and Baksa districts while maintaining COVID-19 protocols.

December 10: The second phase of elections to the 19 seats was held in Chirang and Kokrajhar constituencies.

December 12: The results of the BTC Election were announced. BPF won 17 seats, BJP nine seats, Promod Boro led United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) grabbed 12 seats, Congress one and Kokrajhar Lok Sabha MP Naba Sarania-led GSP one.

December 13: The UPPL along with BJP and GSP staked claim to form its government in the region. Accordingly, the Assam Governor accepted the claim and UPPL President Promod Boro was declared the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of BTC.

December 14:Two days after the election results were announced the lone Congress winner, Sajal Kumar Sinha, switched sides to join BJP, taking the saffron party's tally to 10.

December 15:

• Promod Boro was sworn in as the new CEM of BTR at Bodofa Nagar in Kokrajhar. Three executive members (EMs) -- Gautam Das (BJP, Mathanguri constituency), Ghanshyam Das (Independent, Dihira constituency) and Diganta Borua (BJP, Mwdwibari constituency) – also took oath in the swearing-in ceremony. UPPL vice-president Gobinda Ch Basumatary was sworn in as the new deputy chief executive member of BTC.

• Meanwhile, Sinha was expelled from the primary membership of the Congress party, while Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that more leaders from Congress are willing to join the saffron party.

December 17: The TAC Elections were held for 35 constituencies spread over Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai and Kamrup (Metropolitan) districts where 124 candidates were in the fray.

December 19: After its win in the BTC, BJP maintained its winning feat by a landslide victory in the TAC. The saffron party swept off the polls by securing 34 out of 36 seats. Congress who has won the majority of seats in the last election narrowed down to just one seat. BJPs ally Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) won the other seat.

December 25:

• Congress faced a major setback after Congress MLA from Golaghat Constituency Ajanta Neog resigned from the party and the Assam Assembly. She was later expelled by Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Guwahati on a three-day visit to the Northeast.

December 26:

• While congratulating the people of Bodoland for the trusting the BJP led alliance Amit Shah launched several projects in Assam.

• Ajanta Neog along with Congress MLA from Lakhipur Rajdeep Gowala meets Amit Shah ahead of joining the saffron party.

December 29: Ajanta Neog along with Rajdeep Gowala joined the BJP in the presence of Assam BJP President Ranjit Dass and Himanta Biswa Sarma. Describing the Congress as a 'leaderless' and 'directionless' organization that works as a private limited party, she condemned its association with the AIUDF.

With the advent of the new year, 2021 and the trauma of COVID-19 showing a sign of slowing down, the opposition parties of Assam through its grand alliance even announced acquiring 100+ seats.