Strong Voter Turnout in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry Assembly Polls

New Delhi: Voting picked up pace across key states as the Election Commission of India reported steady turnout figures in the ongoing Assembly elections.

As of 1 p.m., Assam recorded a voter turnout of 59.63%, while Puducherry saw 56.83% polling. In Kerala, the turnout stood at 49.70%, with expectations of a strong final figure given the early momentum.

Polling began at 7 a.m. across all three regions—covering 126 Assembly seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry. The results are scheduled to be declared on May 4.

Kerala witnessed brisk participation, with nearly half of its 2.71 crore voters casting their ballots by early afternoon. Election preparations had begun well before dawn, with over 30,000 polling booths operational and mock polling procedures completed early. Additionally, close to two lakh voters have already voted through home voting.

In Assam, a direct contest is underway between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. The BJP is seeking a third straight term, while the Congress aims to return to power after 2016. Long queues were visible outside polling booths from the morning, reflecting strong voter enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, polling in Puducherry has remained smooth, with steady participation. The Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India N.R. Congress under Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, supported by the BJP.

Officials have emphasized that extensive arrangements were made to ensure free and fair elections, as all major political parties compete in what is shaping up to be a closely watched electoral contest.

With inputs from IANS