With election campaigning in Assam set to intensify, an unfavourable weather forecast threatens to disrupt political activities across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall across Northeast India over the next two weeks, raising concerns for parties planning large-scale rallies.
According to the IMD’s latest outlook, the region is likely to experience scattered to widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–50 km/h. The wet conditions are expected to persist through the end of March and into early April. unfavorable
The impact is particularly significant as campaigning for the Assam Legislative Assembly election enters its peak phase ahead of polling scheduled for April 9. Campaigning will conclude on April 7, leaving political parties with a limited window to mobilize voters.
Weather officials attribute the extended rainy spell to strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal and favorable atmospheric conditions. Rainfall across East and Northeast India has already been significantly above normal, with Assam recording nearly 98.6 mm of rain between March 1 and 19—well above the seasonal average.
Key urban centers like Guwahati have also witnessed intense rainfall, including one of the highest 24-hour March totals in decades earlier this week.
The forecast poses logistical challenges for major political players, including rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, as well as an aggressive campaign schedule outlined by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
While parties push ahead with campaign plans, frequent rain interruptions may affect turnout at rallies and overall campaign momentum. Political observers note that weather conditions could play a subtle yet crucial role in shaping voter engagement in the run-up to polling day.
Rain Threat Looms Over Assam Poll Campaign as IMD Predicts Wet Spell
