Voters in multiple states and Union Territories are set to cast their ballots today, April 9, with high-stakes contests in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Bypolls will also take place in Nagaland, Karnataka, and Tripura.
According to the Election Commission, polling will begin from 7 am to 6 pm across states. Elaborate security arrangements have been made, and polling materials, including electronic voting machines (EVMs), have been handed over to polling personnel.
In Assam, the fate of 722 candidates fighting for the 126-member state assembly will be decided. Poll officials have set up 31,940 polling stations in 35 districts for the single-phase polling.
Kerala is set for a crucial assembly election, with 2.71 crore voters poised to cast their vote. The contest, though triangular, is rooted in Kerala's traditionally bipolar political landscape.
Puducherry assembly elections will see around 9.5 lakh voters decide the electoral fate of 294 candidates. Polling will begin at 7 am across Puducherry and its enclaves.
Nagaland will hold a bypoll for the Koridang assembly, while Karnataka will conduct bypolls in Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly segments. Tripura will also hold a bypoll in North Tripura's Dharmanagar assembly.
