T’puram /Guwahati/ Puducherry, 8 April

Voting will be held on Thursday across Keralam, Assam and Puducherry in crucial Assembly elections marked by intense contests, high-pitched campaigning and last-minute controversies.

In Keralam, 2.71 crore voters will decide the fate of 126 constituencies, with 722 candidat126 constituencies, with 722 candidat. The CPI(M)-led LDF is seeking a rare third consecutive term under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, banking on its governance record, while the Congress-led UDF eyes a comeback citing anti-incumbency and corruption allegations. The BJP-led NDA is attempting to open its account.

Adding to the charged atmosphere, the Congress alleged BJP candidate Sobha Surendran was “caught red-handed” distributing cash in Palakkad, a charge she denied as “fabricated”. The Election Commission warned against violations during the silence period, even as allegations of liquor distribution surfaced.

In Assam, 2.50 crore voters will cast ballots across 126 constituencies, with 722 candidates in the fray.

The BJP-led NDA is aiming for a third straight term, while the Congress-led opposition seeks to regain power. Key leaders, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress’s Gaurav  Gogoi, are contesting.

 Security has been tightened with central forces and webcasting at polling stations.

In Puducherry, 9.5 lakh voters will decide the fate of 294 candidates across 30 seats. The NDA is striving to retain power against the Congress-DMK alliance, with actor Vijay’s party emerging as a third force.

Authorities across all regions have completed arrangements, with provisions for elderly and differently-abled voters, ensuring a smooth electoral process.