New Delhi, April 7 The campaigning for the Assembly elections in two states: Assam and Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, ended on Tuesday evening. Voting will be held in a single phase on April 9, with the results declared on May 4.
Voting for 126 seats in Assam, 140 seats in Kerala, and 30 seats in Puducherry will be held in a single phase on Thursday.
Assam has a total of 25 million voters, including 12.5 million men, 12.5 million women, and 343 third-gender voters. 57.5 million young people aged 18-19 will exercise their franchise for the first time. 722 candidates are contesting for the 126 Assembly seats in Assam, with a majority margin of 64. The term of the 15th Legislative Assembly of the state ends on May 20, 2026.
890 candidates are contesting for 140 seats in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The contest is triangular between the major political parties. A majority of 71 seats is required to form a government. The state has a total of 27.1 million voters, including 13.2 million men, 13.9 million women, and 273 third-gender voters.
While elections are being held in 30 seats in Puducherry, five of which are reserved for Scheduled Castes. A majority of 16 seats is required to form a government. The total number of voters here is 94.4 million, including approximately 44.3 million men, five lakh women, and 139 third-gender voters.
Authorities in Kerala have begun strict monitoring since Tuesday evening. Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Ratan U. Kelkar announced on Monday that, in accordance with election laws, all public campaigning activities will cease completely at 6 p.m. on April 7th.
The restrictions, imposed under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibit candidates, political parties, and supporters from organizing or participating in public meetings, rallies, or processions during the last 48 hours before the end of voting.
Music shows, theatrical performances, or any cultural events aimed at influencing voters are also strictly prohibited during this period. Authorities have also prohibited the display of election-related material on television, cinema, or similar electronic media.
Furthermore, prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) will be mandatory for political advertisements in newspapers a day before and on polling day. The Election Commission previously organized various programs to encourage voters to exercise their voting rights by attending polling stations.
