Minorities could tilt the balance in the second phase of polls Monday in Assam with 35 of the 61 constituencies having a predominant minority electorate.
The constituencies, mainly in lower and central Assam, were traditional Congress vote-banks but with the scrapping of the controversial IMDT Act and the subsequent formation of the United Democratic Front in Assam, the party is unsure of their support this time.
The minority votes in these constituencies are likely to play a key role in formation of the next government in Assam.
The AUDF headed by Badruddin Ajmal, the richest candidate with assets worth Rs 30 crore in the fray, has fielded 37 candidates in the second phase and their fate will be the deciding factor in government formation.
The constituencies with a predominant minority voters are Mankachar, Salmara (south), Dhubri, Gauripur, Golokganj, Bilasipara (west), Bilasipara (east), Abhayapuri (north), Goalpara (east), Goalpara (west), Jaleswar, Sorbhog, Bhabanipur, Barpeta, Jania, Baghbar, Sarukhetri, Chenga, Dalgaon, Barchalla, Biswanath, Dhing Rupohihat and Samaguri.