New Delhi, 07 April (H.S.):

Campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry concluded at 5 PM on Tuesday, ushering in the mandatory 'silence period' as per Election Commission directives.

Polling for all 296 seats—Assam (126), Kerala (140), Puducherry (30)—will occur in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.

Under Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the 48-hour pre-poll silence bans all campaigning, rallies, TV-radio broadcasts, or voter-influencing materials.

Assam Assembly Elections

722 candidates remain in the fray for 126 seats after 67 withdrawals; women comprise just 8% (59) despite near-equal female voter participation. Assam's 2.5 crore electorate includes 1.25 crore men, 1.25 crore women, and 343 third-gender voters; 5.75 lakh first-time 18-19-year-olds will vote. The 15th Assembly's term ends May 20, 2026.

Kerala Assembly Elections

890 candidates contest 140 seats in a triangular battle among major parties, requiring 71 for majority. Kerala's 2.71 crore voters comprise 1.32 crore men, 1.39 crore women, and 273 third-gender, plus over 2.42 lakh migrant voters.

Puducherry Assembly Elections

30 seats (5 SC-reserved) need 16 for majority; 9.44 lakh voters (4.43 lakh men, 5 lakh women, 139 third-gender) will vote at 1,099 centres (610 urban, 489 rural).

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Updates

Nomination scrutiny completed in Tamil Nadu (234 seats) and West Bengal; withdrawals allowed until April 9. Polling: Tamil Nadu on April 23; West Bengal Phase 1 (152 seats) April 23, Phase 2 (142 seats) April 29. Results for all states/UTs on May 4 will shape regional politics.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar