Strong voter turnout in Assam, Pondy; Keralam falls short

Keralam, Assam, Puducherry Assembly Elections Voting Live Updates: Voting begins for 2026 Assembly polls in Keralam, Assam and Puducherry, over 5.3 crore voters to decide key contests, results on May 4 alongside West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Check key updates till now here:Keralam, Assam, Puducherry Assembly Elections Voting Live Updates: Polling is underway on Thursday, April 9, for the Assembly Elections in Keralam, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, with more than 5.3 crore voters expected to cast their ballots to determine the next governments.Voting is being conducted in a single phase across 296 constituencies — 140 in Keralam, 126 in Assam, and 30 in Puducherry — with polling beginning at 7 am and continuing until evening.Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements, webcasting facilities, and logistical support to ensure the smooth conduct of voting.In Assam, the election is largely seen as a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led Opposition alliance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking a third straight term for the NDA government, while the Opposition’s campaign is being led by Gaurav Gogoi.Regional parties such as the All India United Democratic Front, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad are expected to influence the outcome in several constituencies. The state has nearly 2.5 crore registered voters casting ballots across more than 31,000 polling stations.In Keralam, the election pits the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) against the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a rare third consecutive term, while the Opposition hopes to capitalise on anti-incumbency and governance issues.The BJP-led NDA is also attempting to expand its presence in the 140-member Assembly. Around 2.71 crore voters are eligible to vote, with women forming a majority of the electorate.Polling in Puducherry is witnessing a three-way contest among the NDA, the Congress–DMK alliance, and actor Vijay’s newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).Around 9.5 lakh voters will choose among 294 candidates across 1,099 polling stations located in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Special facilities for elderly and differently-abled voters, drone surveillance, and additional security have been deployed.Counting of votes for the three regions will take place on May 4, along with the results for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.Tune in to the Assembly Polls 2026 LIVE Updates as voting is underway for Assembly Elections in Keralam, Assam and Puducherry: Check key updates and voters turnout till now here:

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