Guwahati: Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi on Thursday alleged that voters in Assam were turning out in large numbers to “save democracy” from what he described as a “fascist BJP government”.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Gogoi, who is seeking re-election from the Sivasagar constituency, criticised the state government and expressed confidence that the opposition would form the next government. “We are facing an undemocratic government. It is a fascist government,” he said.
He claimed that public dissatisfaction with the BJP’s tenure was driving voter participation and predicted a comfortable victory for the opposition. Gogoi also said he expected to win the Sivasagar seat by a margin of over 50,000 votes.
The Sivasagar constituency is witnessing a triangular contest, with the BJP fielding former MLA Kushal Dowari, while its ally nominated Amguri MLA Prodip Hazarika.
Meanwhile, voter turnout in Assam reached around 39% by 12 noon, with queues building up at polling stations across the state.
The Assembly elections are being held in a single phase this year, unlike the three-phase polls in 2021. Over 2.5 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in what is being seen as a closely watched contest in the Northeast.
The BJP-led alliance is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress-led opposition bloc is aiming to return to power after being voted out in 2016.