BJP, Left Score Hat-Tricks; NDA Eyes Puducherry

Polling is underway in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry for high-stakes Assembly elections that will test the NDA’s grip in Assam and Puducherry while assessing the INDIA bloc’s chances of a comeback. Voting began at 7 am with extensive security, webcasting, and special voter facilities to ensure smooth conduct. Authorities will close polling at 6 pm.

Also Read: Hingna Road to Get Metro Feeder Bus Service

Voting Begins Across Assam, Kerala and Puducherry

In Assam, the main contest is between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. The NDA includes partners like the Asom Gana Parishad and other regional allies, while the opposition combines Congress with parties such as AIUDF and Raijor Dal, creating both alliance-based and multi-cornered contests. In Kerala, voters are witnessing a direct fight between the ruling Left Democratic Front led by CPI(M) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, while the BJP is working to expand its presence. In Puducherry, the NDA faces the Congress-DMK-led INDIA bloc.

Alongside these elections, authorities are conducting bypolls in five Assembly seats across Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura due to the deaths of sitting MLAs. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking a third consecutive win for the BJP, while Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is aiming to bring his party back to power. The state has 722 candidates contesting, with over 2.5 crore voters across more than 31,000 polling stations.

The campaign in Assam has focused on identity politics and governance issues. Debates around voter list revisions, illegal infiltration, and allegations against political figures have intensified the contest. Key constituencies include Jalukbari and Jorhat, while several regional parties have added complexity to the electoral battle. In the 2021 elections, the NDA secured a clear majority, with the BJP emerging as the largest party.

Also Read: Bodoland Movement & Peace Agreements