Polling day today: Big battles in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry and key bypolls
New Delhi: Millions of voters across India are heading to polling booths today (April 9) as crucial assembly elections and bypolls get underway in multiple states and Union Territories. If you’re in Kerala, Assam, or Puducherry, today is your chance to vote.
Polling begins at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, with authorities putting in place tight security and smooth arrangements to ensure a hassle-free voting experience.
Where voting is happening today
Kerala, Assam & Puducherry: Full Assembly Elections
These three regions are seeing full-scale elections, with over 5 crore voters combined expected to cast their ballots.
Kerala:
Kerala’s 140 constituencies are voting today, with around 2.71 crore voters deciding the fate of 883 candidates.
The contest largely remains between the ruling Left and the opposition (UDF), continuing the state’s long-standing political pattern. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is banking on governance and welfare schemes, while the opposition is pushing for change.
Assam:
In Assam, 2.5 crore voters will decide the future of 722 candidates across 126 seats.
The election has largely revolved around Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s performance, with a strong challenge from Congress led by Gaurav Gogoi.
Puducherry:
In Puducherry, about 9.5 lakh voters are voting across 30 seats, with 294 candidates contesting.
The battle is mainly between the NDA alliance and the INDIA bloc, but actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party has added a new twist as a third force.
Bypolls in other states
Apart from full elections, bypolls are also being held in:
- Karnataka (Bagalkot, Davanagere South)
- Nagaland (Koridang seat, following the death of a sitting MLA).