Polling for Assembly BJP elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry began at 7 am amid tight security and extensive arrangements to ensure smooth voting. Authorities deployed webcasting, security personnel and special facilities for voters at polling stations. Voting will continue until 6 pm. The elections are seen as a crucial political test for both the ruling alliances and opposition parties.
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In Assam, the main contest is between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is aiming to secure a third consecutive term for the BJP government. Meanwhile, the Congress, led in the state by Gaurav Gogoi, is trying to regain power in a state it once dominated.
Voting begins in Assam Kerala and Puducherry amid tight security
A total of 722 candidates are contesting for 126 Assembly seats in Assam, with more than 2.5 crore voters eligible to cast their ballots. Campaign debates have focused on governance, identity politics and the revision of electoral rolls. Issues such as illegal infiltration and political allegations have also intensified the campaign atmosphere.
In Kerala, the electoral battle is mainly between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking another term, banking on welfare schemes and governance achievements. The opposition, however, has raised concerns over unemployment, rising prices and alleged financial mismanagement.
The BJP is also attempting to expand its presence in Kerala. State BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar is contesting from the Nemom constituency, a seat that previously gave the BJP its first Assembly victory in the state. Several key leaders and high-profile candidates have made the contest closely watched across the state.
In Puducherry, the NDA alliance led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy is seeking to retain power. The INDIA bloc, comprising Congress and its allies, is campaigning on issues such as governance and regional autonomy. Actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has also entered the race, adding a new dimension to the contest.
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Apart from these elections, bypolls are also being held in five Assembly constituencies across different states. More than three crore voters are expected to participate in the electoral process across the three regions. The results of these high-stakes elections will be announced on May 4 and are expected to have both regional and national political significance.