Assam polls: 75.91% turnout by 3 pm; rural surge drives polling — key trends

GUWAHATI: The single-phase Assam assembly elections are witnessing a spirited response from voters on a gloomy polling day on Thursday, with the Election Commission reporting an average turnout of 75.91% by 3 PM.The constituency-wise figures reflect a strong rural push, even as urban pockets showed slower progress.The day began with a modest 17.87% turnout by 9 AM, but queues swelled quickly, crossing 38.92% by 11 AM. By early afternoon, participation had climbed to 59.63%, and by 3 PM, three-fourths of the electorate had already exercised their franchise. High-turnout constituenciesJaleshwar (86.61%), Mankachar (84.24%), Chamaria (84.43%) and Laharighat (84.28%) having Muslim concentration emerged as the most enthusiastic, with voters turning out in droves despite humid conditions. Dhubri, Goalpara and Barpeta also reported steady participation in the 76–82% range.Urban lagIn contrast, Guwahati’s urban constituencies continued to trail. Dispur registered 62.84%, New Guwahati 60.57%, and Guwahati Central 64.01%.Hill districts subdued Diphu (63.18%) and Howraghat (65.76%) reflected lower enthusiasm compared to the valley surge, underscoring regional contrasts in voter mobilisation.Polling ends at 5 pm.