NEW DELHI: The high-voltage campaign in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry ended on Tuesday evening, with all political parties going all out for the final show of strength ahead of voting on April 9.For 299 seats across two states and a union territory, the Bharatiya Janata Party roped in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, and several state chief ministers for campaigning. Meanwhile, Congress also put the weight of its top leaders behind the party to boost its poll prospects.KeralaRecently rechristened Keralam, in a nod to its cultural heritage, the southern state is heading towards a trifecta among the LDF, UDF, and a new entrant in the political milieu, the BJP.While chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF is banking on its welfare schemes as it seeks the third consecutive term, Congress-led UDF is hopeful of winning the assembly polls riding on its promises and a “yearning for change.”Additionally, the BJP is hopeful of emerging as the third front in a state where it has yet to gain a foothold.Anti-incumbency vs pro-incumbencyInterestingly, Kerala’s electoral rhythm has long resisted continuity. This trend was broken by the LDF after it scripted a historic victory in 2021. This time, however, the state is shaping up for a far more competitive contest. With anti-incumbency quietly building, the opposition is sensing an opening.UDF is framing the election as a referendum on governance, finances and accountability. Congress top brass, from Rahul Gandhi to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, stepped up engagements, signalling the importance of Kerala in the national opposition’s strategy.Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA is attempting something more ambitious: to disrupt Kerala’s entrenched bipolarity. Led by PM Modi and an aggressive campaign, the party is targeting incremental gains that could influence outcomes in closely fought constituencies.According to the Election Commission, a total of 2.71 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes: 1.32 crore men, 1.39 crore women, 273 transgender persons, and over 2.42 lakh overseas voters. The election decides the fate of 883 candidates contesting for 140 seats.The election will decide the fate of 890 candidates contesting for 140 seats in the assembly.In the 2021 polls, LDF secured 97 seats out of 140. The UDF won 41 seats, while other independents won 2 seats.AssamThe Assam assembly polls are shaping up as a direct battle between the BJP and Congress. While chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks a “hat-trick” term, Congress — led by Gaurav Gogoi — is contesting to remain relevant in a state that was once its stronghold.The BJP is aiming to secure a majority on its own, consolidating gains through governance, welfare outreach, and its “jati, mati, bheti” plank. Meanwhile, Congress is attempting a reset by projecting new leadership and forming alliances to leverage anti-incumbency and social coalitions.Post-delimitation realities add complexity to the contest; they have redrawn constituency boundaries and altered the electoral arithmetic, especially in minority-dominated seats.The opposition also sees a window of opportunity, as the BJP-led alliance will have completed a decade in power by 2026, raising the risk of anti-incumbency. Voter concerns around governance, employment, and rising prices could become decisive issues. However, a fragmented opposition remains a key advantage for the BJP.The exit of senior Congress leaders has exposed organisational weaknesses, potentially benefiting the ruling party. Meanwhile, the issue of illegal migration continues to dominate the electoral discourse, with the BJP’s strong stance likely to resonate with a significant section of voters.Among the 722 candidates in the fray, 59 are women. Congress has fielded the highest number at 99, followed by BJP with 90, AIUDF 30, AGP 26, and BPF 11. Other parties include Raijor Dal (13), AJP (10), CPI(M) (3), APHLC (2), AAP (18), UPPL (18), TMC (22), JMM (16), and 258 independents.A total electorate of 25,054,463—including 12,531,552 men, 12,522,593 women, and 318 voters of the third gender—will cast their votes at 31,490 polling stations across 126 assembly constituencies.In the 2021 Assam polls, the incumbent NDA secured 76 seats, while the Congress-led Mahajot coalition (UPA) won approximately 49 seats. The BJP won 60 seats individually, followed by 29 for Congress.PuducherryJust like in Assam, the Puducherry polls are a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of All India NR Congress (AINRC)–BJP and the Congress–DMK alliance.The NDA, led by chief minister and AINRC founder-president N Rangasamy, is seeking a second consecutive term. Meanwhile, the Congress and DMK finalised their seat-sharing arrangement at the last moment and are fighting to reclaim power in the Union Territory.The NDA is banking on CM Rangasamy’s pro-people image, but it faces the risk of anti-incumbency. Both alliances—especially the Congress—benefit from a widespread organisational presence across Puducherry.There is also a wildcard in the race: actor-turned-politician “Thalapathy” Vijay. His party, TVK, had initially announced candidates for all 30 constituencies before joining forces with independent legislator G.Nehru’s newly formed Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NMK).Puducherry’s 33-member legislative assembly includes 30 elected seats, with three nominated by the Centre. Voting is scheduled for April 9, and counting will take place on May 4, alongside Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, all of which go to the polls this month.In the 2021 Puducherry polls, The AINRC won 10 seats, and its alliance partner BJP won 6, totaling 16 seats out of 30. Meanwhile DMK and Congress’ Secular Progressive Alliance won 8 seats Go to Source
