Top Assam Election News 2021
Assam reports 10 more COVID-19 deaths, 1,798 new cases
The 10 fresh fatalities increased the COVID-19 death toll to 5,029 while the number of active cases in the state is 16,250.
AIUDF MLA’s controversial remark on Assam budget triggers row
AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam's controversial remark was made on an agricultural project in Darrang district, which was mentioned in the budget tabled in the assembly last week.
With shadows of NRC & CAA, will Assam subsist on age-old ethnic dissonance?
An undercurrent of disbelief among these two ethnolinguistic groups for centuries is still visibly surviving. The attempt to assuage partition victim ‘Hindu Bengalies’ through the offer of CAA has only added flare to this chaos.
Assam Budget 2021-22: Here are the biggest winners
The Assam Budget 2021-22 has seen the highest ever allocation to Capital Expenditure in the history of the state – at 21.5%
Opposition slams Assam Budget as ‘anti-people’
Ajanta Neog, the state's first woman finance minister, presented a Rs 566 crore deficit budget for 2021-22.
Assam govt spent Rs 83 crore on newspaper ads in 5 years
IPR Minister Pijush Hazarika said the government does not have any mechanism to cross-check the circulation figure stated by the management of the papers.
Assam: Bongaigaon Civil Hospital facing huge manpower shortage
According to a highly-placed source, currently, only 16 doctors are working full-time in the hospital.
Congress’s Sun about to set in Assam: State BJP chief
BJP President Bhabesh Kalita made the comment while welcoming several top functionaries of the Assam Congress, including former MLA Charan Basumatary, into the BJP fold.
These are the portfolios of ministers from Northeast in Modi Cabinet 2.0
Former Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, was rewarded for his stellar performance in Assam with the Cabinet rank.
Former Assam CM Sonowal’s roller-coaster journey to 2nd time berth in Modi cabinet
Born on October 31, 1962 in Mulukgaon in Dibrugarh district to Jibeswar and Dineswari Sonowal, Sarbananda is a bachelor and a devout follower of Assam's renowned Vaishnav saints Sankardeva and Madhavdeva.
Akhil Gogoi: Raijor Dal to be Assam’s strongest regional party in 2 years
Raijor Dal has the daunting task of organising a party that goes beyond the constituency of Sivasagar and establish itself as a progressive regional party that it claims to be.
Assam: Former Congress leader Jury Sharma Bordoloi joins BJP
The former All India Mahila Congress office-bearer hoped that she will be able to work in the interests of the people as a BJP member.
Assam Congress slams Nadda over ‘political tourists’ comment
Assam Congress leader Ripun Bora also asked where the BJP leaders were when Assam was ravaged by floods in 2017 and 2018.
Watch: Was the Microfinance loan waiver in Assam a poll plank?
For the women struggling to repay the heavy cost of the microfinance loans, BJP's assurance for a waiver came as a ray of hope.
Assam polls: Congress chief expresses discontent over candidate selection
The Assam Congress chief said the party performed on expected lines in lower Assam and Barak Valley, but "totally failed" in the constituencies of upper Assam.
Watch: Assam Cabinet appoints 13 ‘Guardian Ministers’ for various districts
The assigned ministers will also prepare a plan for infrastructure development in their respective districts and identify resources for employment generation.
‘Inappropriate’: Backlash over Assam CM’s remarks on Akhil Gogoi’s health
State Congress said that the CM's comment is extremely unfortunate as society is still fighting against the stigma on mental health issues.
Every day, a battle: How Akhil Gogoi won without holding a single rally
The most important factor behind the victory of Akhil Gogoi which superseded all others were the voters of the constituency of Sivasagar.
BJP legislator Biswajit Daimary becomes new Assam Assembly Speaker
With no other nomination, pro-tem Speaker Phani Bhusan Choudhury announced Daimary as the new speaker and handed over the charge to him.
Assam Chief Minister, others take oath as MLAs
The swearing-in ceremony of all the elected members of the 126-MLA House was conducted by eight-time legislator Phani Bhusan Choudhury.
MLA Akhil Gogoi alleges manhandling by police ahead of swearing in
Gogoi said, "This is an insult to the democracy and the people of Sivasagar. Their representative is being manhandled within the premise of the Assembly."
Have social movements lost relevance in Assam’s electoral politics?
Due to the resurgence of the tide of regionalism, the young leaders, who would conventionally join established parties like Congress and AGP, found an alternative in the new regional parties.
My lessons from Assam 2021? Tribals are not a uniform ‘vote bank’
Tribes like the Misings, often ally with the ruling party, hoping that such association would enable them to get the rights that they have been demanding for decades.
The man, the magic: How Himanta helped BJP capture Assam’s mandate
While the Congress failed to realise that Sarma had become a formidable figure in the politics of Assam, the BJP took great advantage of the situation and banked on the mastery of Sarma to win elections.
Bangladesh PM Hasina congratulates Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
PM Modi visited Bangladesh in March on his first trip to a foreign country since COVID-19 hit and held extensive talks with PM Sheikh Hasina.
Assam cabinet 2021: Know your ministers’ assets, education & more
12 of the 14 recently sworn-in ministers are crorepatis, according to a report by Assam Election Watch. In fact, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is the richest of all with assets worth Rs 17.27 crore.
Watch: Himanta Biswa Sarma’s first visit to Majuli after becoming CM
The visit comes after Sarma assigned different districts to his new cabinet of ministers to monitor the COVID-19 situation and ensure guidance to the district administration.
Clear health department files without delay: Assam CM
Sarma also instructed the department to expedite the release of funds for welfare schemes, a government release said.
Assam 2021: Akhil Gogoi gets court permission to take oath
This is not a bail and Gogoi has been granted permission only to attend the oath taking ceremony, his lawyer said.
Watch: Assam CM keeps Home, Personnel and PWD portfolio. See full list here
The portfolios will be officially handed in first cabinet meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday at 6 pm
Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn-in as 15th Chief Minister of Assam
Along with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, 13 other legislators were also sworn-in as ministers amid strict COVID-19 protocols.
Opposition Congress, AIUDF greet Assam CM-elect Himanta Biswa Sarma
Sarma on Sunday was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party and the NDA Legislature Party.
Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in likely on Monday
The swearing in of the new ministry is likely to be held on Monday at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra.
BREAKING: Himanta Biswa Sarma to be the new Chief Minister of Assam
Sarma joined the BJP from Congress in 2016, months before the state assembly elections and is seen by many as the spearhead of the party.
LIVE BLOG: Himanta Biswa Sarma to become next CM of Assam
Seven days after the emphatic victory, the BJP is likely to pick the state Chief Minister today.
Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa meets Nadda, Amit Shah in Delhi
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were on Friday called to New Delhi by the BJP central leadership apparently over new govt formation
Assam 2021: 34 MLAs have criminal cases against them, says ADR
The ruling NDA has 11 out of the 75 winning candidates with criminal cases.
How the BJP used Big Data to turn Assam into a resounding success
The recent landslide victory for the BJP in Assam elections for the consecutive second term, setting aside issues like the CAA and NRC, is down as much to data science in politics as it is to various political permutations and combinations.
Assam 2021: Tea workers loyal to BJP, minorities to Cong-AIUDF
The electoral result in the constituencies influenced by the two communities have remained unchanged since the 2016 elections.
Assam 2021: AGP elects Atul Bora as its legislature party leader
Asom Gana Parishad unanimously elected President Atul Bora as the leader of its Legislature Party and Working President Keshab Mahanta as the Deputy leader.
BJP likely to send central observers to Assam to pick next state CM
BJP's incumbent CM Sarbananda Sonowal and his powerful ministerial colleague Himanta Biswa Sarma are seen as the most obvious contenders for the top job.
Why Ashraful Hussain’s election win gives hope to Assam’s youth
The journey of Hussain, the son of a farmer, from a village in Barpeta to the legislative assembly, has been anything but smooth.
From dissent to democracy in Assam: Akhil Gogoi now faces a new challenge
In an age when every other contestant had never-ending access to social media, Gogoi had to depend on his mom Priyoda Gogoi to take his message to his constituents.
Assam 2021 final results: BJP’s lotus blooms again
The saffron party alone won 60 constituencies, the same as in 2016, while its ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) got nine, five less than what it did during the last polls, according to the Election Commission.
BJP-led alliance all set to form the government in Assam
Jailed Raijor Dal President Akhil Gogoi, who contested as an independent, won the Sibsagar constituency by defeating his nearest BJP rival Surabhi Rajkonwari by 11.878 votes.
BJP committed to develop all communities in Assam: Dass
BJP state president Ranjeet Kumar Dass also thanked every party worker, state and national leaders of the party for their hard work and sacrifice for this result
Assam poll has broken ‘jinx’ minorities don’t vote BJP: Jitendra Singh
Singh, who was BJP's co-incharge for Assam, said a significant feature of this spectacular decisive mandate is that BJP's margin of victory has remained the same or possibly improved in spite of it being the ruling party for five years.
Accept people’s mandate: Rahul Gandhi after assembly poll results
The Congress leader's remarks came soon after the Congress failed to win back states of Kerala, Assam and Puducherry and fared poorly in West Bengal.
Assam: BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma wins by over 1 lakh votes
In the outgoing government of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma held portfolios of education, health, finance and public works department (PWD).
Cong claims it will win in Assam despite trends favouring BJP
All India Congress Committee national general secretary Jitendra Singh said the trends so far will be reversed in the next two to four hours
Assam polls: NDA ahead in 77 seats, trends indicate victory
BJP is leading in 62 seats, and its partners Asom Gana Parishad is ahead 10 and United People's Party Liberal in 7 constituencies
People blessed us, BJP to retain power in Assam: CM Sonowal
We are coming back to power with our partners AGP and UPPL, said Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal amid initial trends of Assam poll results
Assam poll results: Unused EVM found at counting centre
On investigation, it was found that the unused EVM which had been kept in reserve on polling day, had inadvertently found its way to the counting venue. The release said no votes had been polled on the machine.
LIVE UPDATES | Assam poll results: BJP-led NDA ahead in 77 seats
Assam Assembly Elections 2021 were held for 126 constituencies in three phases: March 27, April 1 and April 6.
Assam COVID-19: Why vaccination phase 3 cannot start tomorrow
Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that Centre is facilitating the procurement of more than 5 lakh doses for the state in May.
Assam 2021: BJP’s own exit poll predicts 70 seats, 8 for AGP
While the exit poll suggests that BJP alone would win 70 seats, its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), are predicted to win eight and five seats, respectively.
Assam Congress alleges lapses in security of EVMs, strong room
In letter to EC, Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora claimed that lack of safety of a strong room and EVMS were noticed in several constituencies in Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh and Goalpara districts
Assam 2021: Nearly all exit polls predict BJP’s return to power
Voting for Assam elections took place over three phases, with poll turnouts in the three phases well above 75% in all three phases.
Poll candidates must show two vaccine shots to enter counting halls: EC
Candidates or their agents who have received both the doses of Covid-19 vaccine can enter the counting hall on May 2 when votes for Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu will be counted
Assam IMA doctors urge govt to ensure more COVID-19 testing
Expressing concern at the rising number of cases in Assam, IMA state President Dr Satyajit Borah said that people must get themselves vaccinated without any hesitation.
Assam polls: EC bans victory processions on or after counting of votes amid COVID surge
The decision has been taken to check the spread of coronavirus, sources said.
Assam has surplus oxygen supply: Himanta
An oxygen plant in Bhutan's Samdrupjhonkar will supply 50 MT of the gas and there are plans to revive another plant at Digboi which was lying defunct for the last ten years, Sarma said.
Taking all steps to manage COVID-19 pandemic: Sonowal
Expressing concern that some people have been flouting the COVID-19 guidelines, Sonowal called on them to mask up, use sanitisers and maintain hygiene.
Sarma goes from ‘no need for mask’ to ‘be very careful’ Assam
Sarma's tweet stands in stark contrast from his stance earlier in the month, when he had famously said that there was need to wear masks in Assam.
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.