Polling has begun for the state assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Voting is taking place for all 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 seats in Puducherry in a single phase. Polling began at 7 this morning amid tight security. The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling.
In Kerala, a total of 883 candidates are contesting for the 140 assembly seats. The state has an electorate of 2 crore 71 lakh voters. A total of 30,495 polling booths have been set up, of which 2,040 have been identified as sensitive. Tight security arrangements are in place, with approximately 76,000 personnel deployed across the state, supported by 160 companies of central forces.
In Puducherry, 294 candidates are contesting the assembly elections. Out of the 1,099 polling stations set up across Puducherry, 209 have been identified as vulnerable and five as critical. Micro observers, along with additional Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed at these locations to ensure peaceful polling.
Special, theme-based polling stations reflecting the culture and heritage of Puducherry have been established. Thirty all-women managed pink polling stations, 15 youth-managed stations, and two polling stations managed entirely by persons with disabilities have also been established. All polling stations are equipped with webcasting facilities and have ensured minimum amenities.
In Assam, 722 candidates, including 663 men and 59 women, are contesting for the 126 seats. The state has over 2.5 crore electors, with a near-equal gender distribution. Over 6.4 lakh young voters in the 18-19 age group will be exercising their franchise for the first time.
A total of 31,490 polling stations have been set up across the state. Of these, 4,021 are being managed entirely by women, reflecting a strong push towards gender inclusion. Webcasting facilities have been arranged in all polling stations to ensure transparency and smooth conduct of the election process.
Meanwhile, today is the last day for withdrawal of nominations for single-phase polling in Tamil Nadu and the first phase of voting in West Bengal. Today is also the last day for filing of nominations for the second phase of polling in West Bengal.
The counting of votes for all four states and the Union Territory will take place on the 4th of next month.