The scrutiny process for nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam has validated 776 candidates as of March 24, with the scrutiny for two constituencies—Barpeta (SC) and Dhekiajuli—having been adjourned to March 25, according to an official statement. A total of 124 constituencies has completed the scrutiny, leaving only the two constituencies awaiting final clearance. Altogether, 815 candidates submitted 1,389 nomination papers ahead of the election scheduled for April 9. The last date for candidates to withdraw their nominations is March 26, before 3 PM, as outlined by the Election Commission of India.
Among the candidate’s still awaiting clearance is Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who is contesting from Dhekiajuli. His nomination is currently listed as “applied,” along with Congress candidate Batash Orang. In the Barpeta (SC) constituency, four candidates filed nominations; three have been accepted, but the nomination of Congress candidate Mahananda Sarkar Das is still under scrutiny. In total, Dhekiajuli saw 10 candidates submit nominations, with eight already accepted.
Currently, the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), holds 64 seats in the Assembly. Its allies include the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) with nine MLAs, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) with seven, and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) holding three seats. The opposition is led by the Indian National Congress with 26 seats, followed by the All India United Democratic Front with 15 seats, and one seat each held by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and an Independent legislator. The counting of votes is set for May 4.