As Assam’s 126 assembly constituencies opened for voting in a landmark single-phase election today, celebrated singer-composer Angaraag Mahanta — better known as Papon — stepped out to cast his vote and delivered a crisp, heartfelt message that is already resonating across the state’s young demographic.

In a video released by Press Trust of India, the 50-year-old folk-fusion artist, who enjoys cult status among millennials and Gen-Z listeners in the Northeast, stood outside his polling booth in Guwahati and said: “I urge the youth to come out and cast their vote. The weather is great and wonderful arrangements have been made. We must vote because every vote counts.”

Papon’s words carry weight far beyond celebrity endorsement. With roughly 2.51 crore electors in Assam, nearly 73 lakh — almost 30 per cent — fall in the 18-29 age bracket. Political analysts and opinion polls have repeatedly flagged this youth cohort as the decisive swing factor in what is being billed as a battle between development promises and identity politics.

The singer’s own journey mirrors the cultural pride many young Assamese hold dear. Son of legendary folk icons Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta, Papon built an international career blending traditional Bihu rhythms, Assamese folk and contemporary sounds through his band East India Company. From Bollywood playback hits to sold-out concerts, he remains a bridge between Assam’s roots and its aspirational youth — exactly the demographic parties are courting with schemes like fee waivers, stipends and job guarantees.

Add us as preferred source on Google
TOPICS: Papon