Top Assam Election News 2021
Isolation for ‘Mahajot’ candidates to continue; Congress says ‘orientation’
After spending a week in Rajasthan, some claim they were holidaying after weeks of campaigning, while others say they went to seek blessings at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
Assam 2021: Grand Alliance urges EC to maintain transparency in counting
The parties demanded that the returning officers be directed to ensure video recording of the counting tables and the process of carrying the EVMs from the strong room to the counting hall.
AIUDF claims BJP contestants in touch to support Congress alliance
Asked who the BJP candidates were, Barbhuiya, the AIUDF General Secretary, said, "The names cannot be disclosed now. You will know after May two (the day) the results are declared."
Is BPF sending leaders abroad over BJP poaching fears?
Senior BPF leader Pramila Rani Brahma told EastMojo that she is still in Kokrajhar and was not aware of the whereabouts of others.
Assam 2021: Anchalik Gana Morcha urges EC to videograph counting
AGM said the videography of the counting will ensure transparency in the counting process.
Assam 2021: Fresh polls announced in 4 polling stations
The votes cast on April 1 for these booths are to be considered "void" and repolling will take place on April 20 (Tuesday) from 7 am to 6 pm.
Assam 2021: Congress-led Grand Alliance shifts candidates out of State
On Friday, the Congress reportedly shifted 20 of its candidates to Rajasthan, while 22 candidates of AIUDF have also moved out of Assam.
Assam Cong requests EC to count postal ballots before EVM votes
Citing the example of Bihar where postal ballots were counted late at night leading to several discrepancies, Bora urged the EC to take steps to ensure vote counting be clean and clear in Assam.
Assam: Was COVID-19 order ‘suppressed’ due to polls, ask Tinsukia locals
Controversy erupts in Tinsukia over an order related to 'compulsory wearing of masks' signed by additional dist magistrate before polls on March 24 but surfacing online only on April 7
Fight against BJP’s resources the biggest challenge: Congress MP Sushmita Dev in exclusive interview
In an exclusive interview with political analyst Bishal Paul, she talked about her party’s strategy in the Barak Valley, the anti-CAA narrative, and much more.
Know why Riyan Parag, Assam SVEEP icon, failed to vote
Parag was one of the four SVEEP icons for state elections along with actor Kopil Bora, singer Anindita Paul and para- cyclist Rakesh Banik.
Assam: Polling underway peacefully, booths showcase different themes
Voters wearing masks seen queuing up outside polling booths, maintaining distance by standing in marked circles across the 12 districts in lower Assam where voting is underway
Assam polls: Priyanka slams ‘irresponsible’ EC, BJP’s negative politics
'Today is the last phase of elections in Assam. I appeal to all my sisters and brothers to vote in large numbers to strengthen the democratic process,' said Priyanka Gandhi in a Facebook post
Assam Assembly Elections: Phase III polls underway
Assam has registered a voter turnout of 53.23 per cent till 1 pm in the third phase of the state assembly polls.
Polling begins for 40 seats in final phase of Assam elections
Polling began at 7 am to decide the fate of 337 candidates, including senior minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, his five cabinet colleagues and state BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass
Watch: Dispur village voting tomorrow, but development a distant dream
Electricity, road connectivity, basic amenities in Dhandhariya village far from seeing light of the day.
Watch: Amchang residents go to polls with eviction fear, no electricity
Electricity connections, which were also totally cut off for these people, were never restored.
Assam 2021: In final phase of polls, identity takes centre stage
In the Muslim-majority areas of lower Assam where Bengal-origin Muslims constitute the major number, the locals are upset about BJP’s communal politics.
Assam BJP alleges MCC violation by Congress, writes to CEO
In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, BJP said that Congress is promoting its "5 guarantees campaign on platforms like Facebook, violating Section 126 of the RP Act, 1951."
Show finger, get discounts: Guwahati residents can avail offers after voting
YI Guwahati has collaborated with 24 leading brands in Guwahati to offer the exclusive discount on their products and services from April 6 to 8.
2,813 model code of conduct violation cases reported in Assam
At least 1,347 complaints were received online through the cVigil app and 1,466 were received offline through Form B9 and 947 of the complaints received online have been already disposed off.
Assam minister Pramila Rani’s security officer detained for ‘assaulting’ cop
The police officer was part of a patrolling team that had gone to minister Pramila Rani Brahma's residence on Sunday night to disperse a crowd
Fact-check: How true is Himanta’s claim of ‘no COVID-19’ in Assam?
Assam’s health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claims that there aren’t any COVID-19 cases in the state at present.
Assam 2021: 171 votes cast in Haflong booth that has 90 voters
As the incident came to light, the District Election Officer suspended five poll officials of the booth, set up at 107(A) Khotlir LP School, and proposed a repoll.
Election officer suspended in Assam poll money theft case
As per the order issued by CEO Nitin Khade on Sunday night, Deka was placed under suspension with immediate effect till the completion of the inquiry.
24 in Tinsukia school test positive despite Himanta’s ‘no COVID-19’ claim
A source said they were waiting for the list from Mohanbari airport to figure out the state from which the person, who tested positive at the airport, was returning.
Assam: BJP’s Himanta defends ‘no need of mask’ comment; draws flak
The BJP minister said: Those who are making fun on my statement on mask, must come to Assam and see how we have contained COVID-19 compared to other states along with impressive recovery of our economy.
Assam 2021: 2 govt staffers arrested for stealing Rs 55 lakh poll money
The incident of theft at the office of the Election Officer was reported during the morning of Saturday, as per an official statement.
Assam: EC turns down BPF plea to postpone polls in Tamulpur
The election in Tamulpur will be held on April 6 in the third and last phase of the Assam assembly polls.
Cong ‘propaganda’ on CAA has failed in poll-bound Assam: Anurag Thakur
The people of Assam know that the NDA government will not take any step which is against their interest, minister Anurag Thakur said.
Assam Congress holds protests against alleged electoral manipulation by BJP
Congress said it is convinced that "BJP is rattled, which is why it is resorting to treachery to win the elections."
Assam 2021: Dry day in Kamrup (M) from April 4 to 6
During this period, the possession/ distribution/ sale of liquor is completely prohibited.
Assam Congress writes to CEO requesting free & fair election
In a letter to Assam CEO, APCC President Ripun Bora listed out instances where EVMs were unattended, found in non-requisitioned vehicles, malfunctioned etc.
Assam 2021: EC reduces campaign ban on BJP’s Himanta to 24 hours
He was on Friday initially barred from campaigning related activities till April 4 for allegedly making threatening remarks against Bodoland People's Front chief Hagrama Mohilary.
Modi urges Assam militants to join mainstream
Addressing an election rally in Bodoland Territorial Region's Baksa district, the prime minister said people of the state have rejected violence for development, peace, unity and stability.
Assam 2021: Against vote bank politics, says Raijor Dal’s Ashraful Islam
Hailing from a flood prone area, Ashraful Islam, the Raijor Dal candidate from Jania constituency of Barpeta, believes that people will vote against communal hatred and manipulation for the sake of votes.
Assam 2021: BJP’s Himanta says did not threaten BPF’s Mohilary
Sarma said the INC did not have "any locus-standi to lodge a complaint against the undersigned as the person concerned Sri Hagrama Mahilary or his party, till date, has not lodged any complaint…"
Assam polls: EC transfers Himanta’s cop brother from Goalpara
IPS officer Veera Venakata Rakesh Reddy shall be posted with immediate effect as the new Superintendent of Police of Goalpara district, which will go to polls in the third and last phase on April 6.
BJP’s Himanta barred for 48 hours over poll code violation
ECI has barred him from holding any public meetings, processions, rallies, road shows, interviews and public utterances in media etc. in connection with ongoing elections for 48 hours from immediate effect.
Assam: 2 injured as police fires to prevent mob from snatching EVM
The incident took place at number 215 Raja Pukhuri LP School in Kalaigaon on Thursday night.
Priyanka Gandhi cancels Assam visit, isolating after husband tests positive
She announced the cancellation of her poll campaign in Assam on Friday, in Tamil Nadu on Saturday and in Kerala on Sunday.
Assam Congress demands action against Pijush Hazarika
APCC urged the CEO to take necessary action against Hazarika and to disqualify his candidature from the present state election and issue directions for filing an FIR/complaint against him.
EVM theft? Assam BJP candidate’s car found with polled machine
The Election Commission on Friday suspended four poll officials and ordered fresh voting in Assam's Ratabari seat after election officials were found inexplicably transporting an EVM in a BJP candidate's car.
Assam: 3 injured in firing by Dy Speaker’s bodyguards following clashes
Cachar district DC Keerthi Jalli confirmed "an incident" and said the administration is waiting for a detailed report from the polling station at 463 Madhya Dhanehori LP School of Sonai constituency.
BPF candidate joins BJP in the midst of polls in Assam
BPF is an ally of the opposition Congress in Assam, where two out of the slated three-phased poll got over on Thursday.
Assam’s Tribal Autonomous Councils: Tribal, yes. Autonomous? Not so much
Although the Rabha Hasong Council Act and Rabha Accord was signed in 1995, the Rabhas never found any protection like Dimasas, Bodos and Karbis under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution.
Will reach majority mark in Assam from results of first 2 phases: Congress
AICC spokesperson Gourav Vallabh said that the Congress-led Grand Alliance is on track to achieve its target of winning 101 seats in the elections.
EC notice to Himanta Biswa Sarma for threatening Mohilary
The Congress had approached the EC alleging that Himanta Biswa Sarma had threatened to send BPF's Hagrama Mohilary to jail by misusing the NIA.
AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi’s mother passes away
Gogoi had suffered a stroke on Monday morning and was brought to Sanjeevani Hospital in Dibrugarh from her Sivasagar residence.
As Barak Valley votes today, BJP bats for CAA
There have been speculations that the CAA rules have been kept in abeyance because of the polls in Assam where a large section, especially in the Brahmaputra Valley, have been opposed to the law.
Assam Deputy Speaker gheraoed, three injured as PSO opens fire
Over 73.44 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in the second phase of the election. Of them, 37,34,537 are male voters and 36,09,959 are female voters, while 135 are third gender voters.
Assam breaks all records in poll seizures, items worth over Rs 110 crore confiscated
During the 2016 state polls, central and state agencies had seized goods worth less than Rs 20 crore.
Himanta’s DNA is that of betrayal: Exclusive interview with Cong MP Pradyut Bordoloi
When you’re weak at the top, many leaders think they can get away with indiscipline. That sense was missing in the last 4 years in the Assam unit.
BJP will not allow Assam to become infiltrators hub again: Amit Shah
Taking a swipe at Ajmal for claiming that the "lock and key (AIUDF symbol) of forming the next government in the state is in his hands, Shah said the people would decide who will run Assam.
BJP’s only religion is development: Jitendra Singh
Accusing the Congress of spreading false propaganda, he said that the opposition party always exploited the minorities as a vulnerable vote bank and played with their sentiments.
CAA an attack on Assam’s culture, will not allow it: Rahul Gandhi
The Congress-led Grand Alliance, if voted to power, will fulfil the five guarantees it has given to the people of the state, he said.
Campaigning ends for second phase of assembly elections in Assam
The second phase of state elections will decide the fate of 345 candidates in 39 seats going to polls on April 1.
Three members of billionaire family in Assam polls
According to the affidavits of the three candidates, the total net worth of the Barak valley's powerful Roy family has been estimated to be at Rs 142.57 crore.
ECI notice to Assam newspapers over BJP advertisement
The notices were sent to the newspapers following a complaint filed by the Congress party alleging that the advertisement violated a directive of the ECI.
Why spend crores on ads if confident of winning, Congress asks BJP
The Congress has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Congress lodges FIR against Sonowal, Nadda, 8 Assam newspapers over BJP advertisement
The ECI's instructions, specific to Assam, had prohibited the dissemination of any form of prediction related to poll results between 7 am of March 27 till 7.30 pm of April 29.
Assam Election in Numbers: 2nd and 3rd phase candidates with most criminal cases
What does the data tell us? Watch the full video to find out.
Watch: This Assam election campaign is unlike any other. Here’s why
Women have been campaigning for independent candidate Pranab Doley even before he received a ticket to contest in the Assam polls.
Registrar General rejects Assam’s request to support NRC work
The RGI in a letter suggested to the state government to terminate the services of "surplus staff" and hand over the workload to government staff.
Assam: Polling peaceful in crucial first phase, over 72% turnout till 5 pm
As many as 47 constituencies are voting in the first phase today. The next two phases are scheduled for April 1 and April 6.
Cong spearheaded propaganda against BJP in Assam: Jitendra Singh
During the COVID pandemic, the BJP government and the BJP karyakartas worked in close coordination with each other.
Assam 2021 updates: Poll officer dies in Charaideo, another suffers stroke
According to reports, Tulsi Khanikar was stationed at Hajowa Lower Primary School polling station in Upper Assam when he complained of chest pain and uneasiness.
Phase-I Assam election: 25.88% turnout in first 4 hours
An estimated 25.88 per cent of the total 81.09 lakh electors exercised their franchise till 11 am in 47 constituencies of Assam where polling is underway with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols in Phase-I of elections on Saturday.
Vote for progress, golden future of Assam: Priyanka Gandhi
The Congress-led 'Mahajot' alliance is seeking to wrest power from the BJP in Assam, which is voting in three phases starting on Saturday.
Assam 2021: 9.47% turnout in first two hours of polling
Long queues were seen outside polling booths with voters and election officials adhering to COVID-19 protocols.
COVID-19 scare on poll day as 36 from Tinsukia school test positive
The surge also came at a time when state finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters during election rallies that there is nothing to worry about COVID-19 in Assam.
Assam 2021: First-phase of polls underway
The first voter at the model polling station in Batadraba was welcomed with a gamusa and a plant sapling.
Watch: Is flood-free Assam possible? Here’s what Majuli said
To find out how realistic it is, Team EastMojo went to Majuli, the largest inhabited river island in the world that has been shrinking year-after-year due to annual floods.
Watch: Why has this Assam tea garden family become so famous?
Ajay Tati is all set to contest the Assam Assembly elections from Rangapara constituency as a candidate of the newly formed AJP – the Assam Jatiya Parishad.
Activists Akhil Gogoi, Pranab Doley to fight polls with few thousand rupees
As per Gogoi's affidavit submitted along with his nomination paper, he does not have any cash in hand and has deposits of Rs 60,497 in two bank accounts.
Vote for a govt that will put Assam on the path of peace: Dr Manmohan Singh
Addressing the denizens of Assam via a video message, the veteran Congress leader expressed gratitude to the state for enabling him to serve the country.
Assam 2021: BJP will enact laws to check ‘love & land jihad’ says Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said appropriate laws and policies will be put in place to strengthen Assamese culture and civilisation.
Assam 2021: BJP’s hate politics will be rejected, says Kamal Nath
Without naming PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister alleged that decisions for Assam are taken by two persons sitting in Delhi.
Assam 2021: How to vote safely? Super Mario shows the way
Assam police used our favourite childhood video game Super Mario, to spread awareness on voting safely.
Assam 2021: Police use software for randomisation of personnel on poll duty
This will ensure effective randomisation of manpower deployment and total neutrality, a statement issued by the Assam Police Headquarters said.
Tea tribe students’ union alleges poll violation against BJP MP, MLA
According to ATTSA leaders, Teli and Phukan were campaigning at the residence of a tea worker in Gopaneri, which falls under the Digboi constituency.
Pradyut Bordoloi issues open challenge to Sonowal, Sarma
The development, 48-hours ahead of the first phase of the assembly elections, assumes significance as the voters will come to know which party stands where amid their tall claims and promises.
Assam 2021: Political parties go all out to woo tea garden workers
Both Congress and the BJP have pulled all stops to counter each other's claims on their respective contribution to the tea industry.
Assam 2021: Here’s how to check your name in the voters’ list
You can look for your name in the voters' list in two ways – search by details, or search by Epic.
Assam 2021: Cong govt gave insurgency & unemployment, says Chouhan
Chouhan, while addressing an election rally at Palasbari said Assam witnessed development only after the BJP-led government came to power in the state in 2016.
Assam 2021: 946 candidates in fray for 126-member Assembly
The Assam Assembly election will be held in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6.
BJP’s idea of flood-free Assam is a pipe dream; locals know it too well
The BJP is repeating its older promise of making floods disappear from Assam by planning river infrastructure ahead of Assam elections. Ground realities tell us something else.
BJP’s stand on CAA varies from state to state, claims Assam Congress
Assam witnessed violent protests against the CAA in 2019 and five persons lost their lives. The protestors saw the law as a threat to their cultural identity and livelihood.
Assam 2021: Congress to hold interactions on job guarantee programme
Congress after analyzing all sectors of the Assam economy and the government, has come to the conclusion that that there are several government posts currently lying vacant.
Assam 2021: Why Naoboicha is a classic case of community complexities
This constituency has had many legends of its own in the past. From being represented by legendary musician Bhupen Hazarika between 1967-1972 to often giving chances to Independent candidates (as many as five times since independence).
BJP wants to scale newer heights of progress in Assam: PM Modi
The BJP has pledged to protect the political rights of the people of Assam through a delimitation exercise. The ruling BJP is seeking re-election and is facing the grand alliance led by Congress in the state.
Why Assam Bengalis are done with BJP ahead of Assembly polls
"We urged all political parties to give ticket preference to a Bengali-speaking candidate but we have been neglected," said All Assam Bengali Yuva Students Federation's general secretary Bijay Chanda.
Assam 2021: Not after CM’s post, says Gaurav Gogoi
Gaurav Gogoi said the party became like an orphan after the demise of his father but his ideas and goodwill among the people are the driving force for him as well as his colleagues.
BJP to win over 200 seats in Bengal, improve Assam tally: Amit Shah
Shah said the Congress' tie-up with the AIUDF will be a factor in the BJP-led alliance's win in the Assam assembly polls as voters will back the saffron party decisively.
BJP won’t allow Bangladeshi infiltrators into Assam: Rajnath
Addressing an election rally in Assam, Singh said the BJP government has started electronic surveillance across the Indo-Bangla border in Assam to stop infiltration from the neighbouring country.
Assam 2021: Are tea garden workers leaning towards BJP?
Tea garden workers constitute roughly 17 percent of Assam’s population. This largely marginalised community are said to be influential in as many as 40 Assembly constituencies.
Assam 2021: 11% candidates declared criminal cases in phase 2
The Assam Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all the 345 candidates contesting in the polls to be held on April 1.
Akhil Gogoi alleges torture, says NIA offered bail if he joined BJP
The RTI activist also alleged that he was offered Rs 20 crore to start an NGO by leaving the peasant body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and work against conversion of Assamese people into Christianity.
Assam 2021: 323 candidates in fray for 40 seats in third phase
Of the 362 candidates who filed their nominations, the papers of 17 were rejected while 22 withdrew their candidatures.