Guwahati

Most ministers in the outgoing BJP-led Assam government were ahead in their respective constituencies, according to early trends released by the Election Commission on Monday.

AGP president and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora was leading in Bokakhat by over 3,000 votes against his nearest Raijor Dal rival. After the first round of counting, Bora had secured 4,682 votes, while Raijor Dal candidate Hari Prasad Saikia had 1,440 votes.

Another minister in the lead was Chandra Mohan Patowary from Tihu. After two rounds of counting out of 19, the BJP leader was ahead by 5,468 votes, having polled 10,991 votes against Congress candidate Ratul Patowary’s 5,523 votes. Patowary, the sitting MLA from Dharmapur, is contesting from Tihu following delimitation changes.

AGP leader and minister Keshab Mahanta was also comfortably ahead, leading by more than 8,800 votes against Independent candidate Jiten Gour.

BJP leader Ranjeet Kumar Dass was leading in the Bhowanipur-Sorbhog seat by 658 votes after the fourth round. He had secured 19,444 votes, while CPI(M) candidate Manoranjan Talukdar had 18,786 votes. Both candidates are contesting from restructured constituencies after delimitation.

Finance Minister Ajanta Neog was ahead in Golaghat by over 11,000 votes, with Congress candidate Bitupan Saikia trailing her.

In Jagiroad, Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika maintained a strong lead of nearly 16,000 votes over Congress candidate Bubul Das after five rounds of counting.

His colleague Ashok Singhal was also leading in Dhekiajuli by 3,230 votes against Congress nominee Batash Orang after the first round.

Minister Ranoj Pegu was ahead in Dhemaji by more than 15,000 votes over Congress candidate Sailen Sonowal after six rounds.

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However, Cabinet Minister Nandita Garolosa, who joined Congress after being denied a BJP ticket from Haflong, was trailing by around 5,000 votes against BJP candidate Rupali Langthasa.