Puducherry, April 9 Voting for the Assembly election commenced amid tight security across the union territory of Puducherry on Thursday, with 9.50 lakh voters set to decide the electoral fortunes of the ruling NDA, determined to retain power, and the opposition INDIA bloc, which is steadfast in its aim to win the polls and assume power.
Voters enthusiastically lined up at polling stations in Puducherry, and in its enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, to exercise their franchise. Voting began at 7 am and is scheduled to continue until 6 pm.
Puducherry district collector A Kulothungan said that people are taking part in the polls in a brisk manner, and added that all basic amenities have been ensured at the polling stations.
Asked about the alleged irregularity in the distribution of "tokens" at Bagur, he said that action was being taken following receipt of complaints.
At the VO Chidambaranar school, a "robot" offered chocolates to welcome voters to cast their votes.
The Union Territory has a total of 9.50 lakh voters spread across Puducherry (23 Assembly segments), Karaikal (five), Mahe, and Yanam (each having one constituency), and the territorial Assembly has 30 members. Women voters, numbering 5.03 lakh, outnumber men, who account for 4.46 lakh voters.
The Union Territory has 1,099 polling stations, equipped with webcasting facilities, and of these, 209 have been identified as vulnerable. A total of 294 candidates are in the fray, including 40 women candidates and 117 independents.
Officials said that around 5,000 officials and 2,800 police personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. All toddy, arrack, and liquor outlets and restaurants serving liquor were closed, and the Excise Department has directed the closure of shops from April 7 to 9 for smooth conduct of the election.
Puducherry registered 82.2% polling in the last Assembly polls held in 2021.
The NDA, comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK, and LJK, and the INDIA bloc, comprising Congress, DMK, and VCK, are the two principal alliances in the race, and the entry of actor-politician-led Vijay's TVK has led to high expectations.
Among the important contestants are AINRC leader and Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who is facing a challenge from Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee president and MP V Vaithilingam in the Thattanchavady constituency, Rangasamy's stronghold.
Rangasamy is also contesting from the Mangalam seat. DMK's R Siva, the leader of the opposition in the outgoing Assembly, is contesting from the Villianur segment, where M Ravikumar of AINRC is his immediate rival in the multi-cornered contest.
NTK, led by actor-director Seeman, is another party in the race, determined to make a mark.