Voting is underway in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on Thursday in a largely peaceful and festive atmosphere. Polling began at 6 AM, with steady voter turnout reported across the three regions.
Apart from minor incidents in some areas, no major disturbances have been reported so far. Central forces have been deployed, and polling stations are under live video surveillance. Special arrangements like drinking water, ramps, and wheelchairs have been provided for voters.
Assam sees high turnout, bipolar contest
Assam is witnessing a largely bipolar contest between the Congress and the NDA. Voting is being held across 31,490 booths in 126 constituencies.
According to available data, around 75.91 percent voter turnout was recorded till 3 PM, which is considered high by observers. Over 2.5 crore voters are deciding the fate of 722 candidates.
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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma is aiming for a third consecutive term, while Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, is trying to regain power. Issues like SIR and infiltration have featured prominently in the campaign.
Kerala and Puducherry record steady polling
In Kerala, voting is underway in 140 constituencies across 30,495 booths. Around 2.71 crore voters are deciding the fate of 883 candidates.
Till 1:30 PM, nearly 50 percent voting was recorded. The Left Democratic Front, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking a third consecutive term, while the United Democratic Front led by V.D. Satheesan, is in the contest.
In Puducherry, polling is being held in 30 constituencies with 294 candidates in the fray. Around 9.5 lakh voters are participating in the election.
Till 1:30 PM, about 56 percent turnout was recorded. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy is contesting from two constituencies and aiming to retain power for the NDA. Around 200 booths have been marked as sensitive, with drone surveillance in place.
Visuals from polling stations showed enthusiastic participation, including voters arriving in festive attire and crowds gathering around prominent candidates.
