The polling is progressing smoothly for the first phase of Assembly elections in Assam. Polling is being held in 62 constituencies spread over 13 districts of Barak Valley, Upper Assam and two hill districts in this phase. Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polls. The voting, which started at 7 am, will continue till 3 pm. 485 candidates, including 38 women, are in the fray for this phase. Congress and BJP have fielded candidates in all the 62 constituencies, while Asom Gana Parishad is contesting 51 constituencies. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Assembly Speaker Tanka Bahadur Rai, State BJP President Ranjit Dutta, former Asom Gana Parishad President Brindabon Goswami are among those trying their luck in this phase.