Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati/Thiruvananthapuram
Guwahati/Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 8: With Assembly elections just a day away, authorities in Assam and Kerala have intensified preparations to ensure smooth, free, and fair voting.
Polling teams and security forces have been deployed across both states, with officials confirming that most logistical arrangements are complete. A key highlight in Assam this year is the establishment of several women-managed polling stations, aimed at promoting inclusivity and greater participation of women in the electoral process.
In districts like Lakhimpur, thousands of polling and police personnel have already been stationed. In Silchar, District Commissioner Ayush Garg confirmed that preparations are complete, with over 13,000 personnel deployed across more than 1,700 polling booths, including hundreds managed entirely by women.
Similar readiness was reported in Kokrajhar, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, and Sivasagar, where polling staff have already been dispatched or are in the final stages of deployment. In Nagaon, District Commissioner Devashish Sharma stated that all officials have reported for duty and encouraged voters to participate actively.
Meanwhile, in Hailakandi, 50 polling stations will be entirely managed by women staff. Officials in Biswanath also expressed enthusiasm as polling personnel prepared for duty.
In Kerala, preparations are progressing smoothly as well. In Thiruvananthapuram, election materials were distributed at designated centres, while in Kannur, polling kits including EVMs were handed out to officials ahead of voting.
Campaigning for the April 9 elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry concluded on Tuesday. Voting will take place in a single phase across all three regions, covering 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry. Results are scheduled to be announced on May 4.
In Kerala, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is aiming for a historic third consecutive term. The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) is looking to capitalise on recent electoral gains, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as a growing force in the state.
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking another term, leading the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with a campaign focused on welfare schemes and identity-based issues.
In Puducherry, the NDA government headed by N. Rangasamy continues to rely on local leadership and candidate appeal, with analysts suggesting that individual influence may play a decisive role in the Union Territory’s smaller electoral landscape.