Political heavyweights are making a final push in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, as tomorrow is the last day of campaigning for Assembly Elections in the two states and a Union territory. Single-phase polling will be held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam and 30 seats in Puducherry on Thursday.
Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held three public meetings in Assam today, at Barpeta, Hojai and Dibrugarh. Addressing a rally at Hojai this afternoon, he reiterated that the development of every district and region of Assam remains a top priority for his party and the National Democratic Alliance. Mr Modi alleged that Assam was deprived of development during the Congress tenure and that the party worked primarily for its own interests.
Earlier, addressing a public rally in Barpeta, Prime Minister Modi said the BJP’s resolve is to make the country developed and self-reliant. He said that the past ten years have been marked by peace and prosperity in Assam.
The Congress also stepped up its campaign in the state. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, senior Congress leader Kumari Selja targeted the BJP over the issue of the Uniform Civil Code. She alleged that such issues are raised during elections to create division among people. She said her party stands for justice and equal rights for all.
Other political parties, including the Asom Gana Parishad, Assam Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal, also intensified their campaign efforts in Assam.
Puducherry witnessed a flurry of campaign activity today, with prominent leaders addressing meetings and rallies across the Union Territory. Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin led an intense day of campaigning across the Union Territory.
The Congress party today unveiled its manifesto for the Puducherry Assembly elections, laying out a vision for transparent, inclusive, and development-focused governance. The party has pledged to work towards full statehood for Puducherry and the waiver of government loans from the Centre. On employment, the manifesto promises 30,000 jobs across government and private sectors, a monthly allowance of 2,000 rupees for unemployed youth, and the establishment of a Puducherry Staff Selection Commission with priority for local candidates.
In Keralam, the day was abuzz with meetings and roadshows by senior leaders from various political parties. Senior BJP leader Amit Shah attended a roadshow at Haripad. Senior CPM leader and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan released the progress card of his government today. Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Wadra addressed a corner meeting at Karassery and Thiruvambady.
Meanwhile, for single-phase polling in Tamil Nadu and the first phase of voting in West Bengal, filing of nominations ended today. Scrutiny of nominations will be taken up tomorrow. Candidates can withdraw their names by Thursday. Polling for 234 seats in Tamil Nadu and 152 constituencies in the first phase in West Bengal will be held on the 23rd of April.
Our Chennai correspondent reports, a total of 5562 nominations have been received for now.
