Image Source static.dw.com
Millions of voters across Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry are casting their ballots today in a high-stakes, single-phase Assembly election. Polling began at 7:00 AM across more than 60,000 polling stations, marking one of the most significant democratic exercises of the year.
As of 11:00 AM, the Election Commission of India (ECI) reported steady turnout across all three regions, with Assam leading at 38.2%, followed by Puducherry at 37.06%, and Kerala at 33.28%.
State-by-State Overview
Kerala: A Battle for History
In Kerala, the fight for the 140-member Assembly is primarily a three-pronged contest. The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is aiming for a historic third consecutive term. Standing in their way is the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and a determined National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
- Total Voters: ~2.69 crore
- Key Issues: Welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and the state’s economic recovery.
- Logistics: Over 30,000 polling stations have been set up to accommodate a surge in first-time voters (approx. 4.24 lakh). Assam : The NDA’s Third-Term Bid
Assam is witnessing a intense battle for its 126 seats.
The ruling BJP-led NDA is seeking a third straight term, banking heavily on its “Orunodoi” cash transfer scheme and development projects. They face a formidable “Mahajot” (Grand Alliance) spearheaded by the Congress, which is campaigning on tea garden wages and identity issues. - Candidates in Fray:*789 candidates across the state.
- Tech Integration: For the first time, webcasting is being used in 100% of the 31,490 polling stations to ensure transparency.
- Voter Sentiment: Early reports show long queues in rural belts, particularly in Upper Assam and the Barak Valley. Puducherry :
The UT’s Multi-Cornered Fight
The Union Territory is voting for 30 seats. The incumbent coalition, led by the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) and supported by the *BJP, is being challenged by the *Congress-DMK alliance. Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is also making its debut, potentially turning the contest into a triangular fight.
What Happens Next?
While polling concludes this evening at 6:00 PM (5:00 PM in some sensitive zones), the fate of the candidates will remain sealed in the EVMs for nearly a month.
- Counting Day: May 4, 2026.
- Upcoming Phases: The focus will soon shift to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, which are scheduled to go to the polls later this month on April 23 and April 29.
Note to Voters: The Election Commission has reminded citizens that voter ID cards or one of the 12 approved alternative photo identity documents are mandatory to exercise their franchise.
