Guwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday visited the revered Kamakhya Devi Temple to offer prayers before casting his vote in the ongoing Assembly elections.

Accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the chief minister said he prayed for the progress and prosperity of the state. “On this polling day, I had the opportunity to seek the blessings of Maa Kamakhya. I prayed for Assam’s growth and the well-being of its people,” he told reporters.

Sarma is contesting as the NDA candidate from the Jalukbari constituency, a seat he has represented since 2001 after defeating former Asom Gana Parishad leader Bhrigu Kumar Phukan. Over the years, he has established a strong political base in the region.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, Sarma secured a decisive victory with over 1.3 lakh votes, defeating Congress candidate Romen Chandra Borthakur by a margin exceeding one lakh votes.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister urged voters to participate actively in the democratic process. In a message posted on X, he called on citizens to exercise their franchise, emphasising that every vote plays a crucial role in shaping a better future for Assam.

Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly began at 7 am in a single phase, with voters queuing up across constituencies to cast their ballots. According to the Election Commission of India, voter turnout stood at 17.87 per cent at 9 am.

More than 2.5 crore voters are eligible to participate in the elections, with 722 candidates in the fray. Authorities have deployed extensive arrangements, including webcasting at all polling stations and over 1.5 lakh polling personnel, to ensure smooth and transparent voting.

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The elections see a contest between the Congress-led alliance and the ruling BJP-led NDA, which is aiming for a third consecutive term in the state.