Guwahati, April 9: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday described the ongoing Assembly elections as a “movement” rather than a routine democratic exercise, asserting that the state has witnessed unprecedented voter participation across constituencies.
In a statement shared on social media, Sarma said the electoral process had evolved into a collective assertion to “protect civilisational values, culture, and land,” claiming that in several polling booths participation crossed 95%. Calling the turnout “historic,” he said people had risen above “language and caste” to vote with a unified resolve to safeguard identity and resist “illegal infiltration and demographic aggression.”
His remarks came as districts like Dibrugarh reported strong polling figures, reinforcing the narrative of high voter engagement across Assam.
The estimated voter turnout stood at 84.42% across the state.
The six assembly constituencies of Dibrugarh district recorded a healthy turnout on Thursday, with the newly constituted Khowang constituency leading at 82.55%. The overall mood remained one of enthusiastic participation, although an incident of election-related violence in Khowang briefly disrupted an otherwise largely peaceful polling day.
The Dibrugarh constituency itself recorded 77.90% polling till 5 pm — an increase from 75.36% in 2021, with the final figure expected to rise marginally. The seat is witnessing a high-profile contest between four-time MLA and state Power Minister Prasanta Phukan of the BJP and AJP candidate Mainak Patra.
Across the district, turnout remained consistently strong. After Khowang’s 82.55%, Chabua-Lahowal recorded 81.41%, followed by Tingkhong at 80.12%, Duliajan at 79.71% and Naharkatia at 78.81%. Compared to 2021, Duliajan improved from 77.42% to 79.71%, while Tingkhong rose from 79.52% to 80.12%.
The current election is also the first after delimitation reshaped Dibrugarh’s political map. Constituencies such as Moran, Lahowal and Chabua — which existed in 2021 — have been abolished, with Khowang and Chabua-Lahowal newly created this cycle.
However, tensions were reported in Kutuha, Khowang constituency, where a clash between BJP and AJP supporters damaged a vehicle. Senior police officials rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The constituency is witnessing a closely watched contest between BJP’s Chakradhar Gogoi and AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. Adequate security has been deployed,” a senior police official said.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister and former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal struck a confident note after casting his vote in Dibrugarh. “The people want the BJP-led NDA government in Assam again. Only then peace and progress will prevail in the state,” he said, predicting that the alliance would win close to 100 of the 126 seats.
Framing the broader significance of the polls, Sarma called the election a “watershed moment” in Assam’s history. “Assam will not surrender. Assam will fight. Assam will survive. Assam will endure,” he said.
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