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Assam will hold polls for all 126 Assembly constituencies in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
With over 1.24 crore women on the electoral roll, they constitute nearly half of the state’s total electorate. (AP file photo)
Assam is gearing up for its Assembly elections on April 9, with women voters poised to play a decisive role. With over 1.24 crore women on the electoral roll, they constitute nearly half of the state’s total electorate of around 2.49 crore.
In previous elections, women have shown consistently higher turnout than men—82.42 per cent in 2021 and 84.72 per cent in 2016—making them one of the most influential voting blocs in Assam.
Despite their strength at the ballot box, women candidates have been steadily declining. In 2016, 91 women contested the Assembly polls, but for 2026, only 59 are in the fray, slightly higher than the 55 fielded in 2001.
Women now make up 8.17 per cent of the 722 candidates, marginally higher than the 8.03 per cent in 2021, though the absolute number of women contesting has decreased.
In the last two elections, women not only outnumbered men at polling stations but maintained a clear lead. In 2016, their turnout exceeded male voters by 0.34 percentage points, and in 2021, the lead rose to 0.41 points. However, this electoral strength has not translated into Assembly representation.
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Only eight of 91 women candidates won in 2016, and just six of 76 succeeded in 2021. Today, the current government has only two women in cabinet positions, underscoring the persistent marginalisation of women in Assam’s political leadership.
Women-Focused Welfare Schemes Take Centre Stage
Recognising the influence of female voters, political parties have placed women-centric welfare schemes at the heart of their campaigns. The ruling BJP has highlighted its flagship Orunodoi programme, which currently provides Rs 1,250 per month to women in low-income households.
Plans are underway to raise this to Rs 3,000 gradually, extending coverage to 1.5 million additional families. The party is also promoting the creation of “lakhpati baideos”—women entrepreneurs earning over Rs 1 lakh annually—through financial support and mentorship.
Other initiatives Under BJP include:
Nijut Moina Scheme: Supports girl child education with monthly stipends to reduce dropout rates and prevent early marriage. Over 3.5 lakh students benefited in 2025–26.
Orunodoi 3.0: Covers 37.2 lakh women for essential household expenses, with additional provisions for widows and tea garden workers.
Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA): Rs 3,200 crore programme providing seed capital for micro-enterprises, targeting 30 lakh women, especially from SHGs.
Swanirbhar Naari: Facilitates microcredit and government procurement of handmade products, aiding over 4 lakh rural women.
Arundhati Gold Scheme: Offers 10 grams of gold to brides from economically weaker sections.
The Congress, on the other hand, has promised monthly cash transfers under its “five guarantees,” claiming support without any party membership conditions. It has also pledged Rs 50,000 to women entrepreneurs to help them start or expand small businesses. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has entered the contest, promising Rs 2,500 monthly to women across Assam.
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Safety And Empowerment Driving Voter Sentiment
Beyond financial schemes, safety and empowerment remain critical concerns for female voters. The ongoing focus on schemes addressing education, employment, and social security reflects the recognition that women are not just voters but active agents of change in Assam’s political landscape.
Parties are increasingly tailoring messages to women, highlighting opportunities for income generation, entrepreneurship, and financial independence alongside welfare support.
Looking Ahead
Assam will hold polls for all 126 Assembly constituencies in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. Of these, nine seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 19 for Scheduled Tribes.
With women emerging as the most reliable voting bloc, parties are intensifying campaigns that combine financial incentives, welfare benefits, and safety initiatives to secure their support.
(With inputs from agencies)
Assam, India, India
April 01, 2026, 00:30 IST
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