Key seats, close fights, family strongholds: All you need to know about Phase 2 elections in Assam

As per the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), of the 345 candidates contesting in the second phase, 37 (11 per cent) are facing criminal cases. As far as candidates’ assets are concerned, 73 (21 per cent) are crorepatis, with an average asset of Rs 2.19 crore. Only 8 per cent of the contestants are women.

Impressive vote-to-seat conversion rates, strategic alliances, huge victory margins these are some of the highlights from 2016 of the BJP’s spectacular performance in seats going to polls in the second phase in Assam. Some 39 constituencies spread across Barak Valley, Hill Areas and Bodoland Territorial Region will vote on April 1. Of these, the BJP and ally AGP had won 24 seats in 2016. The BJP alone won 22 seats, coming out on top. Congress, which had swept the elections in 2011 by winning 29 of the 39 seats, had to contend with only six seats in 2016. In terms of vote share, BJP with 33.3 per cent was marginally ahead of the Congress’s 29.85 per cent. In 2011, Congress had an impressive vote share of 42.56 per cent in these seats. Analysing the region-wise break-up, of the 15 seats in Barak Valley, BJP had won eight in 2016. Congress had won three and AIUDF four seats. In the Hill Areas, BJP had won four of the five seats and Congress just one. Muslim voters dominate three constituencies in Hailakandi district and two constituencies in Karimganj district. On the other hand, all seven constituencies of Cachar district and three other constituencies of Karimganj district are dominated by Hindu Bengalis and tea tribes.