Record Voter Turnouts in Assam, Kerala & Puducherry Assembly Polls

ECI Tracks Polls via Webcasting

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. S.S. Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, are closely monitoring the polling process through live webcasting. Voter-friendly initiatives have been put in place, including easily recognizable color photographs of candidates on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers, a Mobile Deposit Facility, and newly designed Voter Information Slips for better readability. Additionally, each polling station is set to accommodate up to 1,200 voters.

Assam Hits 85% Turnout

As the day progresses, the voter turnout in Assam stands at an impressive 84.42%, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seeking a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress party aims to reclaim the state it lost a decade ago. This election is particularly significant, being the first Assembly election since the electoral map was redrawn following a delimitation exercise in 2023. Voters have cast their ballots at 31,490 polling stations across 35 districts, with voting starting at 7 a.m.

Kerala Records 78% Voter Turnout

In Kerala, voters are casting their votes for all 140 Assembly seats, with polling hours extended until 6 p.m. to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate. Voters arriving at polling stations before the deadline receive tokens and can cast their votes. By the end of the day, Kerala reported a turnout of 78.24%, slightly up from the 74.06% seen in the 2021 Assembly elections.

Puducherry Receives 89% Turnout

In Puducherry, where polling also closes at 6 p.m. for 30 Assembly constituencies, initial estimates suggest an outstanding turnout exceeding 89.08%. The NDA is working hard to maintain its hold on power in this Union Territory, while the Congress-led opposition is determined to challenge the AINRC's leadership, focusing on issues like local autonomy and administrative concerns.