As it happened: BJP's historic victory in Assam ends Tarun Gogoi's 15-year rule

BJP leaders in Patna celebrate over Assam victory

Patna (Bihar): BJP leaders and workers celebrate after the party's victory in Assam #Election2016 pic.twitter.com/g2w0uxemFn

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016

The results in Assam so far

#BattleForTheStates | Have got 48-49% of vote share in Assam; Thank voters for making Assam Congress-mukt #Verdict16 pic.twitter.com/K5N2RIt9Fq

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 19, 2016

Victory in Assam is a very important one: Amit Shah

“Assam’s victory is important in many ways, given that it is a border state. Government is committed to the development of the state,” ANI quoted Amit Shah as saying.

“Every ally is important and has contaributed to the victory but the BJP alone has also performed very well,” he added.

Badruddin Ajmal defeated by Wajed Ali Choudhury

AIUDF Chief and Dhubri Lok Sabha MP Badruddin Ajmal loses to Congress candidate Wajed Ali Choudhury by 16723 votes in South Salmara.

PTI

Congress loses in Moran, Bokajan, Bilasipara East and Tingkhong

Moran: Former Union Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar of Congress defeated by BJP’s Chakradhar Gogoi.
Bokajan: BJP’s Numal Momin wins over Congress rival Klengdoon Engti by 4,744 votes.
Boko SC: Nandita Das of Congress defeated Jyoti Prasad Das AGP by 17,600 votes.
Bilasipara East: Ashok Kumar Singhi of BJP defeated Amrit Badshah (Congress) by 5,096 votes.
Tingkhong: Sitting Congress MLA Atuwa Munda lost to Bimal Borah (BJP) by 18,338 votes.

PTI

With Congress accepting defeat in Assam, the local office Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati wears a deserted look. 

PTI

People have shown faith in PM Modi: Piyush Goyal

Terming the mandate in Assam a result of people’s faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union Power Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is emerging as an alternative in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

“People have shown faith in the central government under PM Modi. The northeast which was not developed for last 70 years is now being developed. He has won the hearts of the people by developing the country,” Goyal told reporters in New Delhi.

He said it is because of corruption by the Congress that it lost in Assam.

IANS

Congress wins Nazira, loses in Katlichera and Dergaon

Nazira: Sitting Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia retains the seat by defeating BJP’s Prahlad Goala by 14,855 votes.

Katlichera: AIUDF’s Suzam Uddin Laskar defeated six-time Congress MLA and minister Gautam Roy by 15,084 votes.

Dergaon: Sitting Congress MLA Aroti Hazarika Kachari loses to Bhabendra Nath Bharali of Asom Gana Parishad by 16,227 votes.

PTI

And the congratulations are still pouring in…

For unprecedented win in Assam, all credit goes to millions of dedicated workers & inspiring leadership of party President Shri @AmitShah.

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 19, 2016

Heartiest Congratulations to Hon @narendramodi ji, @AmitShah ji& @sarbanandsonwal ji for the historic &grand win in #Assam !#Assamelections

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 19, 2016

Here’s how the parties are placed as of 2 pm.

BJP:: Seats won: 4;  Seats leading: 55

AGP:: Seats won: 3; Seats leading: 11

BPF:: Seats won: 0; Seats leading: 12

CONG:: Seats won: 1; Seats leading: 25

AIUDF:: Seats won: 2; Seats leading: 10

PTI

BJP workers dance as they celebrate their win in the Assembly elections at Hengrabari in Guwahati. 

PTI

Poll counting officers and political party agents with observers of election commission busy in the poll counting process at Indira Gandhi Indore Stadium in Guwahati. 

PTI 

Sonowal to meet party leadership

BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal leaves Majuli for Guwahati in a chopper, likely to meet BJP’s state party leadership to chalk out next plan of action

Bongaigaon: Phani Bhusan Choudhury of AGP elected for seventh term by defeating Congress’ Shankar Prasad Ray by 31,320 votes.

Dhakuakhana: Naba Kumar Doley of BJP wins by 24,542 votes over Congress’ Bharat Chandra Narah.

PTI

Bokakhat: AGP President Atul Bora defeats sitting Congress MLA Arun Phukan by 40,193 votes.

PTI

Tarun Gogoi: We accept defeat, no chance of alliance with AIUDF

Tarun Gogoi said at a press conference that the party accepts defeat but will play the role of a constructive Opposition. “With all humbleness we accept the defeat in Assam. People are expecting they will deliver better than us, that’s why they have voted for them. Let them deliver on their promises. We will play a constructive and effective opposition,” he said.

“Wins and defeats are part of political system. This is part of a democratic system. We aren’t disheartened,” he said. 

Gogoi reiterated that the will not form an alliance with Badruddin Ajmal’s All India United Democratic Front.

“I would be 100 percent in active politics. There is no question of any alliance with Ajmal,” he said. 

Though his party lost in the state, Gogoi won the Titabor constituency, defeating BJP’s Kamakhya Prasad Tasa.

Congress ‘humbly’ accepts defeat

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said of the five Assembly elections, “We humbly accept the verdict. We congratulate the winning parties.”

“We will continue to serve people and we hope that the new governments in these states focus on development,” Surjewala told reporters in New Delhi. 

Party leader Mukul Wasnik, meanwhile, said the results were expected.

“We had expected these results. We will analyse the reasons for our defeat under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi,” he said.

IANS

Congress loses seats, but wins votes

Here’s an interesting static. Congress may have lost power in Assam but it has received 31.1 percent of the votes counted so far. On the other hand, the BJP has received only 29.7 percent, according to the Election Commission.

AIUDF wins Bilasipara West, Congress loses Thowra

Bilasipara West: Hafiz Bashir Ahmed of AIUDF defeats Independent candidate Ali Akbar Miah by 11,202 votes.
 

Thowra: Kushal Dowari of BJP defeats Sushanta Borgohain of Congress by 1,226 votes.

PTI

Congress’ loss not surprising: Jairam Ramesh

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the outcome in Assam was not surprising. 

“We are not entirely surprised by what happened in Assam and Kerala. We had tremendous anti-incumbency in Assam. We have been in power there for 15 years. And in Kerala after every five years, the results are new. I don’t think these results are a set back for Congress,” said Ramesh.

PTI

BJP-led NDA ahead in 83 of the 126 seats in Assam

NDA continued to march ahead in Assam, leading in 83 of the total 126 Assembly seats, where counting is underway.

While BJP is leading in 55, its ally AGP is ahead in 15 and Bodoland Peoples Party in 12. Congress, which was seeking to be returned for the fourth straight term, is leading in 27.

BJP chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal and outgoing chief minister Tarun Gogoi are both leading in Majuli and Titabor Assembly constituencies respectively.

AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal is trailing in his South Salmara seat. Independents are ahead in six and CPM in one seat.

Congress dissident leader Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had joined BJP is leading in Jalukbari.

But another prominent BJP candidate Pawan Singh Ghatowar, a former union minister, is trailing in Moran.      

AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, former two-time chief minister, is leading in Baharampur while his party’s working president Atul Bora is ahead at Bokakhat.

Congress candidate and minister of the outgoing cabinet Rakibul Hussain is trailing at Samaguri as is also Ajanta Neog, also a minister, at Golaghat.

Speaker of the outgoing Assembly Pranab Gogoi is leading in Sibsagar.

PTI

Losses not Rahul’s fault, says Congress

Congress rejects suggestions that Rahul Gandhi should accept blame for party’s debacle in five states: party’s chief spokesperson.

PTI

M Venkaiah Naidu thanks the people of Assam for BJP’s victory

Massive BJP victory in Assam is a happy gift to BJP and PM Modi on two years of NDA government at centre. 1/

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) May 19, 2016

Thanks to people of Assam. Congrats to BJP workers and leaders in Assam. Keep it up BJP. 2

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) May 19, 2016

People became intolerant towards the intolerance of Congress party. They have rejected opportunistic alliance...

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) May 19, 2016

Rajnath Singh congratulates Sarbananda Sonowal

Congratulated Shri Sarvananda Sonowal on BJP's historic victory in Assam. It is a decisive mandate given by the people of Assam.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 19, 2016

Poll trends: BJP leads over rivals at Jalukbari, Moran, Gauhati (East), Dispur and Dibrugarh

Jalukbari: BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma leading over his nearest Congress rival Niren Deka by 83,368 votes.

Moran: Former Union Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar trailing behind BJP’s Chakradhar Gogoi by 7,121 votes. 

Samaguri: Minister and sitting Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain leading over BJP’s Jitu Goswami by 3,932 votes. 

Katlicherra: Minister and sitting Congress MLA Gautam Roy trailing behind nearest AIUDF candidate Suzamudding Laskar by 12,010 votes.

Karimganj (South): Minister and sitting Congress MLA Siddeque Ahmed trailing AIUDF’s Aziz Ahmed Khan by 356
votes.
Gauhati (East): BJP’s Siddhartha Bhattacharya leading over Congress candidate Bobbeeta Sharma by 25,222 votes.

Dispur: Former minister and BJP candidate Atul Bora leading over sitting Congress MLA and former minister Akon Bora by 49,801 votes.

Dibrugarh: Sitting BJP MLA Prasanta Phukan leading over Congress rival Chandra Kanta Barua by 11,427 votes.

PTI

Tarun Gogoi wins Titabor

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi wins Titabor seat for the fourth time by defeating sitting MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa of the BJP. Although the final numbers are not out yet, it has been said that the margin was not much between the two keeping in mind Gogoi’s stature.

Poll trends

Baharampur: Two-time former chief minister and sitting MLA Prafulla Kumar Mahanta is leading over his Congress rival Suresh Bora by 3,130 votes

Bokakhat: AGP working president Atul Bora is ahead of Congress’ Arun Phukan by 29,383 votes

Gauhati West: Former AGP minister Ramendra Narayan Kalita is leading over his Congress rival Jury Sarma Bordoloi by 18,692 votes

Kaliabor: Sitting MLA Keshab Mahanta is leading over Bindu Ganju of Congress by 17,545 votes

Lakhimpur: Sitting MLA Utpal Dutta is leading over Joy Prakash Das of Congress by 2,481 votes

Amguri: Former minister Prodip Hazarika is leading over Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Anjan Dutta’s daughter Angkita Dutta by 3,535 votes.

PTI

Who is Sarbananda Sonowal?

From student politics to joining AGP, then switching to the saffron party and becoming a Union Minister, BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate in Assam Sarbanada Sonowal’s journey to the peak has been a steady climb marked by twists and turns.

Fifty-four-year-old Sonowal’s name as the party’s face came as no surprise as he came with a clean image and no baggage and enjoyed the confidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was included in the Union Cabinet though it left many senior party members from the state none too happy considering that he had joined the BJP only in 2011.

The state unit, however, put up a united front in the elections under Sonowal, who also took charge as the party chief before the polls, to script history as the first state in the North East where the BJP has come to power.

PTI

Himanta takes on Tarun Gogoi

Had Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi not brought his son Gaurav to politics, his condition would not have been what it is today: BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma and winner from Jalukbari constituency to DY365.

BJP leading in over 80 seats, according to most TV news channels

Here are the latest trends in the media:

Times Now — BJP+: 81, Congress+: 25, AIUDF+: 13, Others: 7

NDTV — BJP+: 77, Congress+: 29, AIUDF+: 12, Others: 8

India Today TV — BJP+: 83, Congress+: 24, AIUDF+: 12, Others: 7

CNN-News18 — BJP+: 85, Congress+: 25, AIUDF+: 10, Others: 6

Sarbananda Sonowal wins from Majuli

According to North East Blog, BJP’s CM candidate for Assam Sarbananda Sonowal has won from Majuli.

Big Congress leaders continue to bite the dust

Former minister and Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi lost his Margherita constituency to Bhaskar Sharma of the BJP. In another downfall, Atul Bora of the BJP defeated Congress heavyweight Akon Bora in the state’s prestigious Dispur seat. Meanwhile Rituparna Baruah of the BJP pipped four-time MLA and former Speaker Prithbi Majhi of the Congress. In Dhemaji, Pradan Baruah of the BJP defeated Sumitra Doley Patir of the Congress in Dhemaji.

Assam verdict has strengthened BJP’s position: Shahnawaz Hussain

This verdict has further strengthened BJP's position as a national party while pushing Congress towards the position of a regional party.

— Syed Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) May 19, 2016

We accept the verdict of people with humility: Rahul Gandhi

We accept the verdict of people with humility. My best wishes to the parties that have won the elections

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 19, 2016

I take this opportunity to thank every Congress worker and leader and our allies for their effort during these elections

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 19, 2016

We will work harder till we win the confidence & trust of people

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 19, 2016

Latest results

Here are the latest results, according to North East Blog:

Naba Kr Doley (BJP) wins from Dhakuakhana

Pradyut Bordoloi (Congress) loses from Margherita

Kamali Basumatri (BPF) wins from Panery

BJP+ wins five seats

#Assam Assembly Polls Live Updates :
BJP+ Alliance wins 5 seats out of 126 . pic.twitter.com/farvlbjwbD

— DY365 (@DY365) May 19, 2016

Himanta Biswa Sarma wins by over 90,000 votes

According to North East Blog, Himanta Biswa Sarma, former Congress leader who left the party and now is in the BJP, won by over 90,000 votes in Assam.

Big Wins:

1. Rihon Daimari, BPF from Udalguri
2. Suman Haripriya, BJP from Hajo
3. Charan Boro, BPF from Majbat #AssamVerdict16

— North East Blog (@northeastblog) May 19, 2016

Latest constituency-wise trends

Dhubri: AIUDF Najrul Haq leading over BJP rival Debamoy Sanyal by over 400 votes.

Golakganj: BJP Ashwini Rai Sarkar leading by over 1,500 votes over Congress rival Abdus Sobahan Ali Sarkar.

Gauripur: BPF sitting MLA Banendra Mushahary trailing behind AIUDF candidate Nijanur Rahman.

Nalbari: BJP Ashok Sarma leading by 3,496 votes over Congress’ Pradyut Kumar Bhuyan.

Dharmapur: Former Minister and sitting MLA Nilomoni Sen Deka of Congress trailing behind BJP contestant and former minister Chandra Mohan Patowary by over 2,092 votes.

Barkhetri: BJP Narayan Deka leading over Congress’ Diganta Barman by 2,997 votes.

South Salmara: AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal trailing behind Congress candidate Wajed Ali Choudhury by 2,504 votes.

Bilasipara East: AIUDF’s Moshlem uddin Choudhury leading over BJP’s Ashok Kumar Singhi by 1,720 votes.

Bilasipara West: AGP’s Ali Azom Sheikh leading ove AIUDF’s Hafiz Bashir Ahmed by 3,362 votes.

Kokrajhar (East): Former minister and BPF candidate Pramila Rani Brahma leading over her nearest UPP rival Pratibha Brahma by 975 votes.

Kokrajhar (West): BPF’s Rabiram Narzary leading over former Rajya Sabha MP and UPP’s U G Brahma by 2013 votes.

Rangiya: BJP’s Bhabesh Kalita leading over Congress candidate Ghanshyam Kalita by 6,203 votes.

Hajo: BJP’S Suman Haripriya leading over Congress candidate Dulu Ahmed by 3,545.

Karimganj (North): Sitting Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha leading over nearest AIUDF candidate Sahibul Islam Choudhury by 1,136 votes.

Badarpur: AIUDF’S Abdul Aziz leading over sitting Congress MLA Jamaluddin by 2,945 votes.

Barhampur: Prafulla Kumar Mahanta is leading by 3,257 votes over his nearest Congress rival Suresh Bora.

Sibsagar: Speaker of the outgoing Assembly Pranab Gogoi is leading by 896 votes over BJP’s Surabhi Rajkonwar.

Moran: Former Union Minister and prominent Tea tribe leader Paban Singh Ghatowar is trailing behind BJP’s Chandradhar Gogoi by 4,015 votes.

Golaghat: PWD Minister Ajanta Neog is behind BJP’s Bitupan Saikia by 267 votes.

Samaguri: Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rakibul Hussain is trailing behind Jitu Goswami of BJP by 1,323 votes.

Silchar: Bithika Dev, wife of former Congress Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev, is ahead by 2,776 votes over BJP’s Dilip Kumar Paul. – PTI

BJP celebrates with songs, music

#BattleForTheStates BJP celebrates victory in Assam with traditional Bihu song. @SubhajitSG with the reporthttps://t.co/oSM9onoUEi

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 19, 2016

Celebrations outside BJP office in Guwahati

Guwahati (Assam): Celebrations outside BJP office after trends shows BJP leading in the state #Election2016 pic.twitter.com/1t5Au1GZPe

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016

Congress will be wiped out: Kiren Rijiju

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the BJP has started to win in elections and “when elections will be held, Congress will be wiped off.”

We have lost because of Congress: Badruddin Ajmal

Want to congratulate BJP. We have lost because of Congress party: Badruddin Ajmal, AIUDF Chief #Election2016 pic.twitter.com/7XMCcoCfBA

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016

Our main target is to protect the interests of bonafide Indian citizens: Sonowal

Sarbananda Sonowal, who has led BJP to its maiden victory in Assam assembly polls, said the main priority of the new government will be to protect the interests of greater Assamese society.

Projected as the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate, Sonowal said stopping infiltration, a main poll plank of the saffron alliance, would be a major challenge for him.

People were fed up with Congress and they wanted change and good government, he said.

“People have accepted our winning combination. This is a great victory. People of Assam have been looking for such a combination… Our main target is to protect the interests of bonafide Indian citizens, whether they are Hindu or Muslims it doesn’t matter.

“We have to protect the interests of greater Assamese society, which include Assamese, Bihari Marwaris, Bengalis, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs… We have to work together, live together and fight together,” he said soon after it became clear that BJP for the first time would get a majority in the 126-seat state Assembly.

He said there are a lot of challenges ahead. “The big issue is infiltration that is a national issue;Indo-Bangladesh border sealing. Many more issues like employment is there,” he said. – PTI

Angkita Dutta loses in Amguri****​

In her first ever poll battle, Angkita Dutta, daughter of Assam Congress president Anjan Dutta has lost to Pradip Hazarika from the Asom Gana Parishad. Anjan Dutta had won the seat in the last election. Angkita was brought into the fray as her father was a star campaigner for the party. The thought process was that the state Congress president would be busy crisscrossing the state on the campaign trail. Angkita’s campaign was also backed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi who addressed a rally in Amguri. Former Bollywood star and Congress leader Raj Babbar had campaigned for her as well.

Heartiest congratulations to Assam BJP: Modi

Heartiest congratulations to Assam BJP Karyakartas & leaders for the exceptional win. This win is historic by all standards. Phenomenal!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2016

I spoke to @sarbanandsonwal & congratulated him for the performance of the party & the efforts through the campaign. @bjpassampradesh

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2016

BJP will do everything possible to fulfil dreams & aspirations of the people of Assam & take the state’s development journey to new heights.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2016

Across India, people are placing their faith in BJP & see it as the party that can usher in all-round & inclusive development. @BJP4India

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2016

PM Modi calls up Sarbananda Sonowal, congratulates him

According to North East Blog, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Sarbananda Sonowal and congratulated him for BJP’s victory in Assam.

Swearing-in ceremony in Assam to take place on 25 May: Reports

Two people throw a dead cow near Rajiv Bhawan: Reports

Two guys in white, came in a scooty, threw a dead cow near Rajiv Bhawan in Assam and started crying. According to reports #AssamElections

— North East Blog (@northeastblog) May 19, 2016

BJP wrests Thowra from Congress

From trends it has slowly started converting to results as the counting progresses. In the first news on results that has come in, BJP candidate Kushal Dowari beats incumbent Congress MLA Sushanta Borgohain by a margin of 932 votes in a close contest in Thowra constituency. Located in the state’s Sivasagar district, Thowra has always remained a Congress stronghold with a strong presence of the tea community. This is BJP’s first win in the seat.

Video: Ram Madhav thanks people for victory in Assam

Watch: Ram Madhav thanking the people of #Assam for the support.#BattleForTheStates #Verdict16 https://t.co/maIh58ZdFT

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 19, 2016

This is a lesson for Congress: Ram Madhav

“This victory is very important for the BJP. This is a lesson for the Congress,” said BJP’s Ram Madhav.

Want to thank ppl of Assam for giving us 48-49% vote,Govt is committed for development of the state: Ram Madhav,BJP pic.twitter.com/JtD4dciJnn

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016

Latest numbers by Election Commission

Historic mandate, says Ram Madhav

“This mandate is historic. The people of Assam have finally thrown out the Congress from power. Under the leadership of chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal everyone including our MPs really worked hard for this victory,” said BJP leader Ram Madhav.

Latest media trends

Times Now — BJP+: 75, Congress+: 24, AIUDF: 15, Others: 7

NDTV — BJP+: 72, Congress+: 30, AIUDF: 15, Others: 7

India Today TV — BJP+: 74, Congress+: 26, AIUDF: 15, Others: 7

CNN-News18 — BJP+: 81, Congress+: 26, AIUDF: 9, Others: 10

Tarun Gogoi offers prayers

Guwahati: Latest pictures of CM Tarun Gogoi offering prayers at Namghar temple #Elections2016 pic.twitter.com/CsvOUfbeo1

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016

Ajmal now trailing by over 7000 votes

According to ANI, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal is now trailing by over 7861 votes to the Congress candidate from Salmara South constituency.

Paban Singh Ghatowar trailing in Moran

Former Union minister Paban Singh Ghatowar is trailing in the Upper Assam constituency of Moran. His probable defeat would assume significance as he was seen as the next chief minister in line when Tarun Gogoi would have hung up his boots. Ghatowar is also from the tea community. His likely elevation as chief minister later provided the party wins was a ploy to appease the tea community which was not quite happy with the Congress ways. The community felt neglected for decades and it is commonly believed that the Congress had used them only as a vote bank. In all probability, the Congress game plan is failing.

Himanta Biswa Sarma leads by a huge margin

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading by over 9,000 votes in Jalukbari.

Sonowal leads with 6555 votes

#Assam Assembly Polls Live Updates : 10.23 AM
BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal leads with 6555 votes

— DY365 (@DY365) May 19, 2016

We have to live together, we have to fight together: Sonowal

“We have created an environment of unity among ourselves. People of Assam have been looking for this combination for so many years. People have seen Congress working and failing again and again. People want development. That’s why they have voted for BJP,” Sarbananda Sonowal told NDTV.

“We will face a lot of challenges like infiltration from the Indo-Bangladesh border. We will have to take everyone into confidence. We have to work together. We have to live together. We have to fight together,” he further said.

Here are the latest trends according to the Election Commission:

Himanta Biswa Sarma leads by a huge margin

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading by over 9,000 votes in Jalukbari.

Prodyut Bordoloi trailng in Margherita

Another loyal Congressman and former minister Prodyut Bordoloi is trailing in Margherita. It was always a shaky seat for him as the electorate was unhappy with his performance. The allegation against him was that he did too little for his constituency. Bordoloi also considered his former collague in the Congress Himanta Biswa Sarma as his competitor. Once Sarma left Congress for the BJP, Bordoloi went on to the extent of calling him “cancerous” to the Congress.

Seek blessings of people of Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma****​

My very best wishes to all @BJP4India and AGP,BPF candidates . Also seeking blessings of all mighty and people of assam

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 18, 2016

Sarbananda Sonowal leading by over 1500 votes

BJP chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal is leading in Majuli (ST) constituency in Assam over his nearest Congress rival sitting MLA Rajib Lochan Pegu by 1,510 votes after the first round of counting of votes comprising postal and EVM ballots. – PTI

Latest trends according to Election Commission

According to ANI, EC data suggests the following trend for Assam:

BJP: 19
Congress: 8
AIUDF: 2
BPF: 6
AGP: 9
Others: 2

The latest trends for BJP and Congress

Times Now — BJP+: 55, Congress+: 15

NDTV — BJP+: 67, Congress+: 25

India Today TV — BJP+: 55, Congress+: 15

CNN-News18: BJP+: 79, Congress+: 20

Prodyut Bordoloi trailng in Margherita

Another loyal Congressman and former minister Prodyut Bordoloi is trailing in Margherita. It was always a shaky seat for him as the electorate was unhappy with his performance. The allegation against him was that he did too little for his constituency. Bordoloi also considered his former collague in the Congress Himanta Biswa Sarma as his competitor. Once Sarma left Congress for the BJP, Bordoloi went on to the extent of calling him “cancerous” to the Congress.

Ajmal trailing by over 2000 votes

According to ANI, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal is trailing by over 2400 votes to Congress candidate from Salmara South constituency.

Gogoi leads by 2000 votes

According to the North East Blog, Assam CM Tarun Gogoi is leading by 2000 votes. Rekibuddin Ahmed of Congress is also leading in Chaigaon. Atul Bora is leading in Dispur. Prodyut Bordoloi is traling and Rupak Sarma of BJP is leading in Nagaon.

Congress strongman Rockybul Hussain trails in Samaguri

Seen as the replacement for Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Congress after he defected to the BJP, Hussain was considered as the right hand man of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. However, the present minister is trailing to his nearest rival from the BJP, Jitu Goswami. ​

When questioned by regional channel on his impending defeat, Hussain maintained a brave face. 

“During the Lok Sabha polls even in the second and third rounds of counting, the opposition candidate was leading. But you saw at the end who won. I have complete faith on the people of Samaguri that they would elect me again as their MLA,” he said.

BJP now leading in 80 seats, according to CNN-News18

Sonowal leads in Majuli

BJP chief ministerial candidate and Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is leading in Majuli constituency by over 2,000 votes. Congress ​candidate Rajib Lochan Pegu is trailing in this seat. Looks like Sonowal’s prayers in the morning in the Vaishnavite centre of Assam—Majuli—is clearly delivering dividends.

BJP, allies lead in 67 seats

Only the official notification remains now. It is clear that the 15-year-old Congress rule in Assam under Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is coming to an end. The BJP and its allies have already breached the majority mark of 64. The alliance is leading in 67 seats as per latest trends.

Second round of counting ends in Titabor, Gogoi leading

Even as his party is heading for a certain disaster, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is leading in the Titabar constituency. He leads Jorhat MP and BJP leader Kamakhya Prasad Tasa.

BJP sweeps Assam; Congress falters massively

The BJP is sweeping Assam as per the individual party position so far. The simple majority mark in Assam Assembly is 64.  

Congress: 18
AGP: 12
AIUDF: 7
BJP: 39
Left: 0
Ind: 1

Tapan Gogoi leads in Sonari

Former AASU president Tapan Gogoi and BJP candidate is leading in Sonari. Education Minister Sarat Borkataky trailing in the same constituency.

Assam: BJP+:59,Cong+:21, AIUDF:11, others:3 #AssamElection2016 BJP:37,AGP:14,bpf:8,Cong:18,UPP:3,AIUDF:11,Others:3, 94/126 at 9:23AM

— North East Blog (@northeastblog) May 19, 2016

@BJP4India is heading towards a historic win @AmitShah @narendramodi in assam. Thanks to your leadership and blessings of the people

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 19, 2016

BJP already celebrating, laddoos being prepared

#BattleForTheStates Upbeat BJP prepares laddoos at HQ in Guwahati. Every lead is being cheered, says @SubhajitSGhttps://t.co/nzahy13CpA

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 19, 2016

Badruddin Ajmal trailing

Badruddin Ajmal is trailing in South Salmara constituency behind Congress candidate Wajed Ali Choudhuri, according to North East Blog.

Early trends show that BJP is leading in Assam

According to CNN-News18, the numbers are as follows — BJP+: 19, Congress+: 8, AIUDF: 4, Others: 1

NDTV also says that BJP is leading in Assam — BJP+: 16, Congress+: 7, AIUDF: 0, Others: 0

However, it is the North East Blog which says that the BJP has a considerable lead: BJP+: 41, Congress+: 15, AIUDF: 8, Others: 6

News channels divided on early trends in Assam

Here are the trends being shown on different news channels:

Times Now: Congress – 2, BJP – 4, AIUDF – 0, Others – 0

CNN-News18: Congress – 3, BJP – 11, AIUDF – 0, Others – 0

India Today TV: Congress – 3, BJP – 4, AIUDF – 0, Others – 0

NDTV: Congress – 9, BJP – 13, AIUDF – 0, Others – 0

Fanibhushan Choudhuri, AGP is leading in Bongaigaon, ex-CM Prafulla Mahanta is leading from Barhampur, according to the North East Blog.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Tarun Gogoi leading

According to the North East Blog, Sarbananda Sonowal (BJP) is leading in Majuli, Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP) is leading in Jalukbari CM Tarun Gogoi (Congress) is leading in Titabor.

Here are the trends according to the North East Blog:

Assam: BJP+:27, Cong+:10, AIUDF:6, others:3 #AssamElection2016 BJP:14,AGP:8,bpf:5,Cong:8,UPP:2,AIUDF:6,Others:3, 46/126 at 8:30AM

— North East Blog (@northeastblog) May 19, 2016

Early trends for Assam

Except for CNN-News18, all the other major news channels are saying that the Congress alliance is leading in two seats.

On the other hand, according to CNN-News18, BJP+ is leading in four seats.

Security intensified for counting

The Election Commission of India has appointed 126 observers to oversee the counting and the entire process will be videographed.

A three-tier security ring has been deployed for the counting with the first ring of armed CRPF personnel around the counting hall, the second layer manned by armed state police and the final ring comprising the district police around the 100-metre periphery of the centre.

Prohibitory orders will be in force within 100 metre periphery of the counting centre.

Counting began first with the postal ballots and EVMs will be taken after that. – PTI

Congress leading in one seat

On the other hand, NDTV and India Today TV are reporting that Congress is leading in one seat in Assam.

BJP+ leading in one seat

According to CNN-News18, the BJP alliance is leading in one seat.

And it begins…

#Elections2016: Counting begins in West Bengal,Assam,Tamil Nadu,Kerala and Puducherry. Postal ballots to be opened first

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016

Here’s what the poll of polls says:

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Catch everything about the #Assemblypolls2016#Live today all day on Firstposthttps://t.co/YXw6me1Du7 pic.twitter.com/GjrAB9urWM

— Firstpost (@firstpost) May 19, 2016

Sarbananda Sonowal offers prayers

BJP CM candidate Sarbananda Sonowal offers prayers at Uttar Kamalabari Satra Temple in Majuli #Elections2016 #Assam pic.twitter.com/2Y1ZhL6Brl

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016

Like Bihar, BJP will celebrate only for the first two hours: Badruddin Ajmal

Taking a dig at the BJP, Ajmal said, “Like Bihar, BJP will only celebrate for first two hours,after that when picture gets clear we will celebrate.”

Exit polls were wrong: Badruddin Ajmal

Exit polls were wrong, we will get 30 to 40 seats. I am confident: Badruddin Ajmal,AIUDF #Elections2016 #Assam pic.twitter.com/dEhf1zrUnu

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2016