New Delhi, April 09 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged voters, particularly youth and women, in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to participate in large numbers as polling began for the Assembly elections.

Polling for the Assembly elections in the three regions commenced at 7 am. Voting is being held for 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister appealed to the people of Assam to exercise their franchise in large numbers and expressed hope that youth and women would participate enthusiastically to strengthen the democratic process.

In a separate message, he urged voters in Kerala to ensure high participation, stating that record turnout would strengthen the democratic spirit of the state. He also made a special appeal to young voters and women to actively participate in the electoral process.

PM Modi also called upon voters in Puducherry to participate in the elections in large numbers and said every vote plays an important role in shaping the future of the Union Territory.

In Kerala, about 2.71 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. Polling arrangements were put in place across 30,471 polling stations, with officials conducting mock polls before commencement of voting. Officials said a section of voters also exercised their franchise through the home voting facility.

In Assam, the main contest is between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress, with the ruling BJP seeking another term while the Congress is attempting to return to power. Voting is being held in a single phase and will continue till 5 pm.

Polling is also underway in Puducherry for the 30-member Assembly. The Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India N.R. Congress headed by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy with support from the BJP.

Election authorities said necessary arrangements were made to ensure peaceful and orderly polling across all three regions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar