Kerala Elections: High Stakes for LDF, UDF, and NDA

In Kerala, more than 2.71 crore voters are participating in deciding the fate of 833 candidates. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is aiming to retain power. Meanwhile, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is striving for a comeback after a decade-long gap.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also contesting strongly, aiming to expand its voter base in the southern state.

Prominent Leaders Cast Their Votes

Several prominent political and public figures exercised their voting rights. Kerala BJP state president and Nemom candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan voted at a primary school in Kannur.

Renowned actor Mohanlal reached a polling booth in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, to cast his vote. Union Minister Suresh Gopi also voted at a polling station in Guruvayur.

Assam Assembly Elections Underway

In Assam, voting is being conducted for all 126 assembly seats. The main contest is between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance.

Polling is being held across 31,490 polling stations in 35 districts from 7 AM to 5 PM. The state has approximately 2.5 crore eligible voters, including 1.25 crore women and 318 third-gender voters.

The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress seeks to return to governance after its 2016 defeat.

Key Candidates in Assam

A total of 722 candidates are contesting in the Assam elections. Notable candidates include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, opposition leader Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal’s Akhil Gogoi, and AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi.

Puducherry Elections See Extensive Arrangements

In Puducherry, nearly 9.5 lakh voters are deciding the fate of 294 candidates. The Election Commission has ensured smooth and peaceful polling arrangements.

Chief Election Commissioner P. Jawahar stated that adequate measures have been taken to ensure free and fair elections.

Polling is taking place across Puducherry and its regions, including Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Out of 1,099 polling stations, 30 are entirely managed by women and 15 by youth officials.

International Observers Monitoring Elections

To ensure transparency, representatives from 23 countries, including delegates from five foreign embassies, are observing the elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.

The Election Commission confirmed that these delegates are part of the International Election Visitors Programme 2026.

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