Assam polls: Congress candidate Mahananda Sarkar’s nomination cancelled
ECI stated that the examination of nomination papers for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly General Election has been completed for all 126 Assembly Constituencies.
The review process took place on Tuesday. However, the review of Barpeta and Dhekiajuli Assembly Constituencies has been postponed. Investigations in these two districts have been completed.
In Dhekiajuli, all 10 nomination papers were found valid. Among the candidacy documents examined in Barpeta, 1 candidate was found invalid and 3 candidates were found valid.
A total of 815 candidates applied for 1389 candidacies from 126 electoral districts. After completion of the review, 789 candidates were found to be valid to contest the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly General Elections.
The Election Commission of India organized an online screening and training session for District Election Officers (DEOs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs)/SSPs, CPs and other officers of Assam. Assam goes to polls on April 9, 2026.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during his inspection visit to Assam on February 18, 2026, had underlined that the elections in Assam will be conducted in a non-violent, intimidating and inducement-free manner, so that every voter can vote in a festive atmosphere without fear or favor. In this context, senior officials of the Commission reviewed the preparedness of the district administration and law and order machinery for the general elections to the Assam Legislative Assembly. Senior officers conducted a detailed review with DEOs, SPs and CPs of the state on every aspect of election planning, provision of AMF at all polling stations, EVM management, logistics, training of election personnel, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.
It was also emphasized that Presiding Officers (POs) should ensure that signed copies of Form 17C containing the account of recorded votes are shared with all polling agents present at the close of polls. Presiding Officers must also be properly trained and directed to upload voter turnout data to the ECINET App on a bi-hourly basis and at the close of polls.
The DEO has also been directed to ensure that Voter Information Slips (VIS) are distributed to all voters at least 5 days before the polling day. Each household was also instructed to ensure the provision of Voter Guides.
CEO Assam stated that in addition to these, Braille-enabled VIS will also be released for the benefit of visually impaired voters.
Considering the large number of riverside polling stations in Assam, emphasis was placed on ensuring adequate safety equipment and rescue measures.
Already on March 22, at least four police personnel were injured in an attack by the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) on a commando camp at Tinsukia in Upper Assam.
The incident took place around 02:00 on Sunday in Jagun area of Tinsukia district. Its location is close to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. ULFA (Independent) claimed responsibility for the attack.
