Car Crashes into Electric Pole, Catches Fire in Assam’s Golaghat; Three Injured

According to election authorities, a total of 47 counting centres have been established across Assam, with additional centres in select districts to manage the scale of the exercise. Kokrajhar, Tinsukia and Jorhat will have two counting centres each, while Nagaon will have three.

The counting will commence at 8 AM on May 4. Each centre will be prepared in advance with necessary security protocols and infrastructure support.

To ensure a smooth and transparent counting process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed 126 counting observers, supported by 5,981 counting officials and 2,348 micro observers. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place, including 25 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) guarding strong rooms, alongside state police and additional security personnel.

In total, 800 unarmed police personnel have been stationed at strong room locations, while 93 companies of Assam State Armed Police (SAP) and 85 assault groups/commandos are deployed across districts. Additional CRPF units are engaged in static duties.

Assam, which has 126 Assembly constituencies, recorded a substantial electorate of over 2.5 crore voters, including 1.25 crore male and 1.25 crore female electors, along with 318 third-gender voters. The state also has a significant number of vulnerable and special-category voters, including over 2 lakh persons with disabilities (PwDs) and more than 1 lakh voters aged above 85.

A notable feature of this election has been the extensive use of postal ballots. A total of 1,19,463 electors exercised their franchise through this mode, including election duty staff, elderly voters, persons with disabilities and those engaged in essential services.

Polling infrastructure was spread across 31,490 polling stations, the majority located in rural areas. Efforts were made to ensure inclusivity, with designated polling stations managed by women and special provisions for PwD voters.

The election also witnessed large-scale enforcement activity, with seizures worth Rs 114.43 crore made between March 15 and April 27. These included cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and other inducements.

Voter turnout trends over the years indicate consistently high participation in Assam. In recent Assembly elections, turnout has remained above 80 per cent, reflecting strong electoral engagement among citizens.

The Election Department of Assam has finalised and published the list of counting centres for all 126 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across 35 districts of the state.

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Assam has designated specific educational institutions, district offices, and public venues as official counting centres. The list includes universities, colleges, secondary schools, and district commissioner offices strategically selected for their accessibility and infrastructure.

The counting centres span from Bodoland University in Kokrajhar to Karimganj College in Sribhumi, covering each district from Kokrajhar in the west to Karimganj in the south.

Noteworthy venues include:
* Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati (Kamrup Metro) for Dispur constituency;
* Nalbari College, Nalbari for Barkhetri, Nalbari, and Tihu constituencies;
* Bongaigaon University and Bhattadev University, Bajali, for western Assam districts;
* Dibrugarh Polytechnic, Lahowal, and Janata Mahavidyalaya, Tinsukia, for upper Assam constituencies;
* Tamulpur HS School, Mushalpur HS School, and Diphu Government College for Bodoland Territorial Region districts.

Officials stated that the detailed district-wise mapping helps prevent logistical confusion and ensures efficient movement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and counting personnel. The designated centres were chosen based on security feasibility, connectivity, and availability of adequate facilities for candidates and observers.

Preparations are underway to install real-time counting result systems at each centre, along with media coverage arrangements to ensure transparency in the counting process.