As the nomination process for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections nears its close, political activity has intensified across the state, with a large number of candidates entering the fray even as authorities step up efforts to boost voter participation.
According to provisional data released on Monday, March 23, a total of 818 candidates have submitted 1,391 nomination papers for the 126 Assembly constituencies. Election officials noted that these figures are subject to final verification, but early trends suggest a closely contested election across various regions of Assam.
At the same time, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Assam, has expanded its voter awareness drives under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme. The initiative aims to increase voter turnout while spreading awareness about democratic rights and responsibilities, particularly among first-time voters and underrepresented groups.
To strengthen grassroots outreach, district administrations have introduced creative, locally themed mascots to connect with voters in culturally relevant ways. These include ‘Bakhar’ in Lakhimpur, ‘Ganabandhu’ in Sonitpur, ‘Jolou’ in Jorhat, ‘Chameli’ in Golaghat, and ‘Dwimlu’ and ‘Sikhiri’ in Kokrajhar. The mascots are being widely used in awareness campaigns, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, to make the message more engaging and accessible.
Adding to the momentum, well-known public figures have been roped in to widen the campaign’s reach. Digital content creator Abhinav Bora, popularly known as “LazyGuy,” has been named the district icon for Jorhat, while actor Rajiv Duwari is leading voter awareness efforts in Lakhimpur.
At the state level, SVEEP Icon Rakesh Banik has been touring multiple districts, encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote and actively participate in the democratic process. His outreach highlights the Election Commission’s focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and broader representation.
With a high number of candidates in the race and voter awareness campaigns gaining pace, Assam is heading towards a crucial electoral contest, where both political mobilisation and public participation are expected to play key roles.
