Assembly elections: Noise of campaign stopped in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, voting on 9th April

New Delhi. Campaigning for the elections to the Assemblies of Assam, Kerala and Union Territory Puducherry to be held on April 9 came to an end on Tuesday evening. Voting will be held in a single phase on Thursday for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry. In these states, nomination papers were filled till March 23, nomination papers were scrutinized on March 24 and withdrawal of nominations was till March 26.

As per the guidelines of the Election Commission, rallies and road show demonstrations will no longer be possible. There will be a ban on political propaganda in television, radio and cinema halls also. In Assam, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma is trying hard for another term, the Congress and its allies are presenting a tough challenge to the ruling BJP.

In Kerala, there is a traditional contest between the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front. While the ruling Left Front is trying its best to remain in power for the third consecutive time, the Democratic Front is coming into the field with full force to gain power.

Multi-cornered contest is being seen on all the seats in Puducherry. The Congress-DMK alliance is challenging the Bharatiya Janata Party-led ruling front in the union territory. Regional parties are also exerting their strength here, which may affect the results on many seats.

Along with state level leaders, central leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have sought votes by campaigning vigorously in favor of the candidates of their respective parties. The counting of votes for these assembly elections will take place on May 4.