The first phase of the assembly elections commenced in Assam today where by noon 39% of polling has been recorded. Elections are being in 62 out of 126 assembly seats in Assam where Tarun Gogoi is looking to return to power for the third successive time. Mr Gogoi casted his vote in his home district of Jorhat in eastern Assam. Mr Gogoi told that he is confident of Congress getting majority and retaining power in the state.

According to an election official voting has been going peacefully in the 13 districts which will end at 3 pm in approximately 11,000 polling booths. It is expected that nearly 8.5 million voters will be casting their votes which will decide the fate of 485 candidates. While 62 candidates each have been put up by BJP and Congress for the first phase of the elections AGP has fielded 51 candidates. 157 independent candidates are contesting in the first phase of the elections.

The second phase of the elections will commence on April 11 in 64 seats where 9.6 million voters will decide the fate of 496 candidates. Results of the elections will be declared on May 13.