Polling has begun for Assembly elections in Assam, Keralam, and Union Territory of Puducherry. Voting is taking place for all 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam and 30 seats in Puducherry in a single phase. Polling began at 7 this morning amid tight security. The Elections Commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. 

 

In Keralam, a total of 883 candidates are in the fray for 140 assembly seats. The state has an electorate of 2 crore 71 lakh voters. As many as 30 thousand 495 polling booths have been set up, of which 2,040 have been identified as sensitive. Tight security arrangements are in place, with around 76 thousand 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 set up. 30 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 assured minimum amenities. 

 

In Assam, 722 candidates, including 663 men and 59 women, are in the fray for 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 thousand 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 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. 

 

Counting of votes for all four states and the Union Territory will take place on the 4th of next month.