Kerala, Tamil Nadu: Polling for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry commenced at 7:00 AM on Thursday, with voting scheduled to continue until 6:00 PM.

In Kerala, polling is being conducted across all 140 Assembly constituencies. The state is witnessing a closely contested battle between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF). In the previous elections, the LDF secured a decisive victory with 99 seats, while the UDF won 41 seats, placing the Congress as the principal opposition.

In Puducherry, voting is underway for 30 Assembly seats, including 23 in Puducherry, five in Karaikal, and one each in Mahe and Yanam. A total of 294 candidates are contesting, with 34 representing national parties. In the last elections, the All India NR Congress and the BJP alliance achieved a landslide victory, with N. Rangasamy assuming office as Chief Minister. The alliance remains intact this time, while the Congress and DMK are jointly contesting against them.

Meanwhile, in Assam, polling is being held for 126 Assembly seats. The state previously witnessed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) forming the government, with Himanta Biswa Sarma as Chief Minister. The current election sees a direct contest between the NDA and the INDIA alliance.

Polling continues peacefully across all three regions, and the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.