New Delhi: Kerala, Puducherry and Assam recorded higher voter turnout on Thursday compared to the 2021 Assembly elections, according to data released by the Election Commission.Puducherry recorded the highest turnout at 89.20%, up from about 82.2% in 2021. Assam follows closely with a turnout of 85.10% as compared to 82.04% last time. The turnout in Kerala was 77.50%, slightly higher than the last election’s around 76%.
Polling went to 126 seats in Assam, 140 seats in Kerala and 30 seats in Puducherry. After the polls, officials sealed the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) devices at the polling stations. Counting of votes will take place on May 4 in all three regions.In Kerala, more than 2.6 crore voters are eligible to vote in 140 constituencies, among which 883 candidates are in the fray. There are 1,38,27,319 women voters, 1,31,26,048 male voters and 277 third gender voters in the state. Around 4,24,518 voters belong to the 18-19 age group, while 2,04,608 voters are aged 85 and above. A total of 30,471 polling stations were set up.The contest in Kerala is largely between the CPI(M)-led LDF, which has been in power for the past decade, and the United Democratic Front, which is seeking to overthrow it. The Bharatiya Janata Party is also involved and is challenging on two fronts.In Assam, more than 250 million voters are eligible to vote for the 126-member Assembly, with 722 candidates in the fray. The voters include 1,25,31,552 male voters, 1,25,22,593 female voters and 318 transgender voters. The main contest in the state is between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Development Alliance and the Congress-led alliance.In Puducherry, 10,14,070 voters are eligible to vote for 30 assembly seats. The electorate includes 5,39,125 women voters, 4,74,788 male voters and 157 third gender voters. There are 24,156 voters in the 18 to 19 age group.The ruling National Democratic Alliance, made up of the All-India Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, is facing a challenge from the Congress-BJP alliance. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, played by actor Vijay, is also involved making the game triangular.
