The ruling NDA alliance is set to return to power in Assam for a third consecutive term, leading in 97 of the 126 Assembly constituencies—well above the majority mark of 64.

According to trends released by the Election Commission of India, the Bharatiya Janata Party is ahead in 79 seats. Its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland Peoples’ Front, are leading in nine and ten seats respectively.

On the other hand, the Indian National Congress is ahead in 25 constituencies, while its ally Raijor Dal is leading in two.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has built a strong lead of over 40,000 votes in Jalukbari. Meanwhile, state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi is trailing his BJP rival in Jorhat.

Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary is ahead in Tamulpur, while Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia is trailing in his constituency.

In Khowang, Lurinjyoti Gogoi of AJP, who initially led, has slipped behind, while Akhil Gogoi of Raijor Dal has moved into the lead after trailing earlier. The All India United Democratic Front is ahead in two seats, with its chief Badruddin Ajmal leading in Binnakandi.

Several prominent leaders are currently trailing, including former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora and former Union minister Rajen Gohain. Meanwhile, key NDA allies such as Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta are leading in their respective seats.

Counting began at 8 am across 40 centres in all 35 districts, following a single-phase polling held on April 9. Voter turnout stood at a high 85.96%, with over 2.5 crore voters deciding the fate of 722 candidates.

If trends hold, Assam appears set for political continuity, even as the opposition faces an uphill task in regaining ground.