Bengali-speaking Barak Valley and hill districts in focus in the second phase of polling in Assam

Bengali-speaking Barak Valley and tribal-dominated three hills districts will be the focus of the second phase elections in Assam on Thursday when polling will be conducted for 39 of the state's 26 Assembly seats.

A total of 346 candidates are in the fray for 39 seats in Barak Valley, Central and parts of Western Assam.

Of the 15 Assembly seats in Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts in Barak Valley going for polls, BJP had in 2016 won eight where Bengali-speaking Hindus have a majority. Of the remaining seven Muslim-dominated constituencies, Congress had bagged three and AIUDF four. Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF, this time, however, is part of the Congress-headed grand alliance.

Congress' stand against the CAA this time could lead the Muslim votes turn to the grand alliance. BJP's promise of citizenship to post-1971 Hindu Bengali migrants through the CAA could help the saffron party consolidate on the seats it had won in 2016.

Also read: BJP will not allow Assam to become infiltrators' hub again, says Amit Shah

Assam forest and environment minister Parimal Suklabaidya (Dholai), junior health minister Pijush Hazarika (Jagiroad), Bhabesh Kalita (Rangia) and deputy Speaker Aminul Haque Laskar (Sonai) are some of the prominent names contesting in the second phase on Thursday.

Tribal dominated five constituencies, Diphu, Baithalangso, Bokajan, Haflong and Howraghat in central Assam's Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao are another target areas for both ruling BJP and Congress. The long demand for creation of an autonomous state within Assam is an election issue in the region. BJP in 2016 had won all five but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday promised that his party would fulfill the demand if voted to power. BJP has not made its stand clear on the issue yet.

Also read: Unlike BJP, Congress fulfils its poll promises, says Rahul Gandhi

BJP and its ally UPPL is also trying to capture the five constituencies going for polls in the Bodoland region. The rest of the constituencies are in central Assam and parts of western Assam.

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reiterated Congress' stand against the CAA while home minister Amit Shah continued his jibe on Barduddin Ajmal saying Congress can not drive out the infiltrators with Ajmal "on their lap."

BJP is contesting in 34 seats, Congress in 28, AIUDF in seven, UPPL in three, Bodoland People's Front in four, AGP in six and Assam Jatiya Parishad in 19 seats.

Chief Electoral officer, Assam, Nitin Khade on Wednesday said they are all prepared for polling in 39 Assembly seats.

Assam has 126 Assembly seats and polling for 47 seats was conducted on March 27. Elections for the remaining 40 seats is scheduled on April 6.

Assam Assembly Election Result 2016