The scrutiny of nomination papers for the Assam Assembly elections has cleared 776 candidates across 124 constituencies, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the Joint Chief Electoral Officer, the verification process has been completed in most parts of the state. However, scrutiny for two constituencies—Barpeta (SC) and Dhekiajuli—has been deferred and will resume at 11 am on March 25 (today).
In total, 815 candidates had submitted 1,389 nomination papers for the 126-member Assembly. After scrutiny, a substantial number have been found valid, narrowing the field ahead of the elections.
Candidates now have until 3 pm on March 26 to withdraw their nominations.
Meanwhile, political activity has picked up pace across the state. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi has filed his nomination from the Jorhat constituency as the Congress candidate, with support from alliance partners.
Before filing his papers, Gogoi paid homage to his father, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, and visited several religious places in Jorhat, emphasising unity and communal harmony. He also led a rally of supporters to the Deputy Commissioner’s office during the nomination process.
The Assam Assembly elections will be conducted in a single phase on April 9, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4.
The election is expected to see a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Congress, with the ruling party aiming for a third consecutive term.
