New Delhi [India], April 9 (HBTV): Voter turnout at 9 am on Thursday in Assam was recorded at 17.87 per cent, while in Keralam it stood at 16.23 per cent, according to data shared by the Election Commission of India for the ongoing 2026 assembly elections in both states.
Polling trends in the Union Territory of Puducherry showed a voter turnout of 17.41 per cent at 9 am.
Polling for high-stakes electoral contests in two states and a Union Territory began at 7 am on Thursday.
Voting for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam, and 30 in Puducherry is underway. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
In Keralam, over 2.6 crore electors will decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies. Of the 2,69,53,644 registered voters, 1,38,27,319 are women and 1,31,26,048 are men. Officials said there are 277 third gender voters in the state.
Among the electorate, nearly 4,24,518 voters fall in the 18–19 age group, while 2,04,608 voters are aged 85 years and above. A total of 30,471 polling stations have been set up to ensure smooth polling.
The Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress-led UDF is aiming to return to power.
In Assam, more than 2.5 crore electors are eligible to vote in the 126-member Legislative Assembly, with 722 candidates in the fray. Of the 2,50,54,463 electors, 1,25,31,552 are male voters and 1,25,22,593 are female voters. There are 318 transgender voters and 63,423 service voters.
Among the electorate, 6,42,314 voters are in the 18–19 age group, 2,50,006 are above 80 years of age, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities.
Webcasting facilities have been arranged in accordance with the Commission’s directions to strengthen monitoring. Webcasting has been enabled in all 31,490 polling stations, including 31,486 main polling stations and four auxiliary polling stations. A total of 1,51,132 polling personnel have been deployed for the conduct of the election.
For polling purposes, 41,320 ballot units, 43,975 control units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines have been arranged, including reserves for emergency use. Additional polling personnel have also been kept in readiness.
The Congress has formed a six-party alliance to take on the ruling BJP-led NDA, which is seeking a third successive term in office.
In Puducherry, 10,14,070 electors are eligible to vote for 30 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The electorate includes 5,39,125 female voters, 4,74,788 male voters, and 157 third gender voters. A total of 24,156 voters are in the 18–19 age group, while 6,034 voters are aged 85 years and above.
The contest in Puducherry involves the ruling NR Congress-led NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has also entered the fray. (ANI)