Guwahati: Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia on Friday said the party expects to improve its position in at least 25 constituencies, banking on the record voter turnout in the Assembly elections held on April 9. Addressing a press conference at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan a day after polling, Saikia said the high turnout reflects public support for the BJP-led government. “A large section of people has rejected the opposition’s narrative. This turnout will help us improve our position,” he said.Assam recorded an estimated 85.83 per cent turnout in the single-phase polls — the highest in the state since 1951. The figure marks a steady rise over the years, from 76.04 per cent in 2011 to 84.72 per cent in 2016 and 82.42 per cent in 2021. Despite rain in several districts, voters turned out in large numbers across the state, with women’s participation particularly strong.Polling in Assam was held alongside Kerala and Puducherry. While Puducherry recorded around 89 per cent turnout, Kerala saw about 78 per cent.
Several constituencies, particularly those with a significant minority population, witnessed exceptionally high turnout. Dalgaon recorded 94.57 per cent polling, followed by Srijangram (94.33 per cent), Jaleswar (94.31 per cent), Chenga (93.83 per cent), Mandia (92.45 per cent), Pakkabetbari (93.24 per cent), Samaguri (91.31 per cent), East Goalpara (92.79 per cent), Parbatjhora (90.49 per cent), Darrang (90.34 per cent), Rupahihat (92.74 per cent) and Abhayapuri (90.28 per cent).
At the district level, Barpeta crossed 91 per cent turnout, while Bongaigaon recorded 91.77 per cent. Bajali stood at 86.89 per cent. South Salmara-Mankachar also reported a strong turnout from the early hours, pointing to high rural participation.Expressing confidence of a “historic mandate” for the NDA, Saikia also launched a sharp attack on the Congress over its “three Gogoi” narrative. He dismissed the focus on a few leaders as narrow and politically driven.“Are there only Gogois in Assam? There are many capable leaders from different communities, including Saikias. Politics in Assam cannot revolve around a single family,” he said, accusing the Congress of pushing a selective narrative for political gain.He further alleged that the Congress relied on misinformation during the campaign, while the BJP focused on development and governance.Saikia highlighted strong participation across sections, including youth, women and senior citizens. He said nearly 72 lakh voters in the state are below 30 years of age, including around 7 lakh first-time voters, indicating growing political engagement among young people.Some areas reported particularly high turnout, with Nalbari and Tihu nearing 95 per cent, while Guwahati recorded around 75 to 78 per cent. Overall turnout in the state hovered close to 86 per cent, higher than in previous Assembly elections. Also Watch:
Citing internal assessments, Saikia said the NDA is not only set to retain its base but also add over 25 seats. He credited the extensive campaign led by top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.The BJP and its allies contested all 126 seats, holding rallies, roadshows and yatras across the state as part of an intensive campaign.Saikia’s remarks come amid heightened political activity following the high turnout, with all parties now awaiting the outcome. The press conference also reflected the BJP’s effort to project confidence and consolidate its position ahead of the results.