The number of Bengali Hindus listed as doubtful voters (D-voters) in Assam has fallen sharply from two lakh to 25,000, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. He noted that the Supreme Court recognises those residing in Assam before 1971—the cut-off year under the Assam Accord—as full Indian citizens.

Sarma added that over the past five years, nearly two lakh Bengali Hindus have been removed from the D-voter list through court rulings. Most of these individuals hold 1971 refugee certificates or camper certificates, and no Foreigner Tribunal has declared any Bengali Hindu a foreigner.

Commenting on the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, Sarma described them as likely to be “interesting” given these developments.

The issue of doubtful voters remains a key challenge in the state, with Foreigner Tribunals still hearing related cases.

Ahead of the September 22 Bodoland Territorial Council elections, Sarma campaigned in Baksa, Tamulpur, and Udalguri, expressing confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects based on local feedback.

The State Election Commission has announced that voting will be held in 40 General Council Constituencies of the Bodoland Territorial Council.