Assam, Kerala, Puducherry Hold Assembly Polls

Millions of voters across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry headed to the polls on Thursday to elect new legislative assemblies in a crucial phase of India's state elections. Polling began at 7 a.m. for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry, with results expected on May 4. The elections come amid heightened political rivalries, logistical preparations, and isolated pre-poll controversies.

In Assam, over 2.5 crore electors, including 63,423 service voters and 318 in the transgender category, are choosing among 722 candidates. The ruling BJP-led NDA seeks a third consecutive term, facing a six-party alliance spearheaded by Congress. Tensions escalated on the eve of voting when a Congress candidate from the Udalguri constituency, Joyram Daimari, announced his resignation, citing lack of party support for Scheduled Tribes like himself. Officials confirmed his name remains on electronic voting machines, as the withdrawal deadline had passed, allowing voters to still select him. Separately, the BJP accused Congress spokespersons of circulating forged foreign government documents to sway the elections and damage India's diplomacy. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma...