Assam, Kerala, Puducherry vote in high-stakes battle for power

Polling for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry began at 7 am on April 9 amid elaborate security arrangements, webcasting and special voter facilities to ensure smooth conduct. Voting will conclude at 6 pm in what is being seen as a crucial electoral test across regions with distinct political dynamics.

The elections are set to assess the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)’s hold in Assam and Puducherry, while also gauging the comeback prospects of the INDIA bloc.

Assam: NDA battles opposition in multi-cornered contest

In Assam, the electoral contest is largely between the BJP-led NDA and a Congress-led opposition alliance, though several constituencies are witnessing multi-cornered fights. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allies such as the Asom Gana Parishad, while the opposition includes the Indian National Congress along with the All India United Democratic Front and Raijor Dal.

The campaign has revolved around identity politics, governance issues and controversies. The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has emerged as a flashpoint, with opposition parties alleging voter disenfranchisement. Illegal infiltration remains a central issue, with the BJP highlighting undocumented migration, while the opposition has accused it of polarisation.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking a sixth straight win from Jalukbari and aiming to secure another term for the BJP. Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi is making his Assembly debut from Jorhat, adding prominence to the contest.

Other key players include Badruddin Ajmal, Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi, making several seats highly competitive.

In the 2021 elections, the NDA won 76 seats in the 126-member Assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 60 seats.

Kerala: LDF seeks rare hat-trick in bipolar fight

Kerala is witnessing its traditional bipolar contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), with the BJP attempting to expand its limited footprint.

A total of 883 candidates are in the fray for 140 seats, with over 2.71 crore voters eligible to cast their ballots.

The LDF, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking a rare third consecutive term, banking on welfare schemes and governance. Vijayan is contesting from Dharmadam, a CPI(M) stronghold.

The UDF, led in the Assembly by VD Satheesan, has focused on unemployment, rising prices and alleged financial mismanagement.

Key contests include Nemom, where Rajeev Chandrasekhar is in the fray, and Peravoor, where KK Shailaja is contesting from a traditionally Congress-leaning seat.

In Puthuppally, Chandy Oommen is seeking to retain the seat long held by his father, Oommen Chandy.

Polling is being conducted across 30,495 stations with extensive deployment of officials and security personnel, along with voter-friendly measures to counter the summer heat.

Kerala broke its decades-old trend of voting out incumbent governments in 2021, when the LDF returned to power with 97 seats.

Puducherry: NDA eyes retention amid triangular contest

In Puducherry, around 9.5 lakh voters are deciding the fate of 294 candidates across 30 seats in a contest primarily between the NDA and the INDIA bloc.

The NDA, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, is seeking to retain power on the plank of “double-engine” governance. Rangasamy is contesting from both Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies.

The INDIA bloc—comprising Congress, DMK and VCK—is campaigning on issues of local autonomy and alleged friction with the Centre.

A new dimension has been added by actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which is attempting to emerge as a third force.

Authorities have identified over 200 polling stations as vulnerable, deploying drones and intensifying surveillance to curb malpractices. Special arrangements, including women-run polling booths and facilities for elderly and differently-abled voters, have been put in place.

In 2021, the NDA secured 16 seats in the 30-member Assembly, with the AINRC winning 10 and the BJP 6.

By polls and scale of exercise

Alongside the Assembly polls, by-elections are being held in five seats across Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura, necessitated by the deaths of sitting MLAs.

A total of 722 candidates are in the fray, with over 2.5 crore voters expected to vote across 31,490 polling stations.

With more than three crore voters participating across regions, the outcome of these elections is expected to carry significant political implications at both the state and national levels. Results will be declared on May 4.