Polling commenced at 7 am for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry with extensive security measures, webcasting, and special voter amenities to ensure a smooth voting process. The voting period will conclude at 6 pm.
In Assam, the primary electoral battle is between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition coalition. The NDA comprises the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and other regional allies, while the opposition alliance includes the Congress, AIUDF, and Raijor Dal, resulting in a mix of alliance and multi-cornered contests.
Kerala witnesses a direct competition between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) under CPI(M) leadership and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). The BJP, a minor player in the state, aims to enhance its presence.
In Puducherry, the key contest is between the NDA, consisting of AINRC, BJP, and allies, and the INDIA bloc led by the Congress and DMK.
Additionally, by-polls are being conducted for five Assembly seats in Ponda (Goa), Bagalkot, and Davanagere South (Karnataka), Koridang (Nagaland), and Dharmanagar (Tripura) due to the demise of sitting MLAs.
In Assam, the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led opposition coalition are in a direct clash for the 126-member Assembly. The voting percentage in Assam stood at 38.92 by 11 am.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from the BJP seeks a third consecutive term, while the Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, aims to regain power in the state. A total of 722 candidates are vying for seats, with over 2.5 crore eligible voters across 31,490 polling stations.
The election discourse in Assam revolves around identity politics and governance issues, with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being a significant point of contention. Illegal infiltration remains a prominent topic, with the BJP emphasizing undocumented migrants, while the opposition accuses the ruling party of polarization.
Key battlegrounds include Jalukbari, where Sarma is aiming for a sixth consecutive victory, and Jorhat, where Gaurav Gogoi is making his Assembly debut. Other parties like AIUDF, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad are also part of the electoral landscape.
In the 2021 Assam elections, the NDA secured 76 seats, while the Congress-led Mahajot won around 49 seats. Kerala, with 883 candidates contesting for 140 seats and 2.71 crore voters, saw a voter turnout of 33.28% by 11 am.
The traditional bipolar contest in Kerala between LDF and UDF continues, with the LDF aiming for a third term. Notable candidates like Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader VD Satheesan are contesting from strongholds.
Puducherry, with around 9.5 lakh voters and 294 candidates across 30 seats, witnesses the NDA alliance, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, striving to maintain power. The INDIA bloc, including Congress, DMK, and VCK, seeks to address issues of local autonomy and administrative challenges.
The elections in these regions, involving over three crore voters, are closely monitored for both local and national implications. The election results are expected to be announced on May 4.