In the ongoing Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024, political fervour reached its peak as candidates defied adverse weather conditions to exercise their democratic rights. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee Bijuli Kalita Medhi led the charge, casting her vote at Pub Guwahati High School in Jyoti Nagar, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati, on May 7.
Accompanied by her husband and son, who was voting for the first time, Medhi expressed confidence in the electorate’s support for the BJP, stating, “I urge all to come out in huge numbers and exercise your franchise. Even though it is raining, the spirit of Guwahatians cannot be dampened. I am confident of winning this election as I trust the voters here who are extending their support to the BJP Government and CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.”
At 45, Bijuli Kalita Medhi emerges as the BJP’s front-runner in Assam’s electoral arena, boasting a clean record and assets totalling Rs 1.6 crore. Her nomination signals a strategic shift for the BJP, replacing incumbent MP Queen Oja and reflecting the party’s revised electoral strategy.
Elsewhere in Assam, Khampha Borgyari of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and Assam cabinet minister Urkhao Gaura Brahma participated in the voting process, emphasising the widespread engagement in the democratic exercise.
Amidst this electoral buzz, there’s palpable anticipation within the NDA Government regarding the election outcome. NDA-backed candidate Jayant Basumatary is set for victory, buoyed by Minister UG Brahma’s perceived alignment with the Central Government.
Facing off against Bijuli Kalita Medhi is Congress candidate Mira Borthakur, who braved the rain to cast her vote at the Narbam LP School polling centre. Expressing satisfaction at the turnout, Borthakur highlighted the importance of voting, stating, “Voting is our supreme right… I urge all to come out of your homes and cast your votes and exercise your constitutional right.”
With the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commencing at 7 am across 12 States and Union territories, Assam recorded 10.12 per cent voting percentage as per the early voter turnout trends till 9 am.
Dhubri recorded 10.75 per cent voter turnout while Guwahati follows in the second position with a close call of 10.38 per cent voter turnout. Kokrajhar and Barpeta have each recorded 9.77 per cent and 9.26 per cent respectively.
Meanwhile, the voter turnout percentages across each constituency in Kamrup Metro Election district till 9 am as follows:
33 Dipur LAC records 10.43 per cent
34 Dimoria LAC records 11.06 per cent
35 New Guwahati LAC records 9.53 per cent
36 Guwahati Central LAC records 10.28 per cent
37 Jalukbari Central LAC records 11.30 per cent
