The first phase of the three-phase elections for the 126-member Assam assembly is being held today, March 27. For the first phase of the elections, a total of 267 candidates are in the fray for 47 seats. As the voting began in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and urged the eligible voters to come and vote in record numbers.

“The first phase of elections begin in Assam. Urging those eligible to vote in record numbers. I particularly call upon my young friends to vote,” PM Modi tweeted.

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PM Modi also requested the voters in West Bengal to turn up in record numbers.

“Today, Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections begin. I would request all those who are voters in the seats polling today to exercise their franchise in record numbers,” PM Modi tweeted.

As far as the election is concerned, the BJP is contesting in alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). From the BJP, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (Majuli), Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami (Jorhat), ministers Ranjit Dutta (Behali), Naba Kumar Doley (Jonai) and Sanjoy Kishan (Tinsukia) are the prominent candidates in the fray.

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As per the Election Commission of India, 23,244,454 are eligible to vote. 132,081 voters are differently-abled; 290,677 voters above 80 and 505,874 voters in the age group of 18-19 years.

Out of the total electors, 11,742,661 are male, 11,443,259 are female voters, and 442 third gender voters.