New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged voters, particularly the youth and women, in Assam and Kerala to participate actively in the electoral process as the crucial voting period kicks off.

The polling for the significant Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry began at 7 a.m. today.

Voting is taking place for 126 Assembly seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry, with results set to be revealed on May 4.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi stated, "As the polling for the Assam Assembly elections 2026 begins, I call upon the people of Assam to cast their votes in large numbers. I hope the youth and women of the state engage wholeheartedly, turning this election into a vibrant celebration of democracy and civic duty."

In another message, he urged the residents of Kerala to also vote in significant numbers during the Assembly elections.

"High voter turnout will invigorate Kerala's democratic ethos. I specifically urge the youth and women of the state to come forward and vote actively," he remarked.

Moreover, the Prime Minister appealed to voters in Puducherry to bolster democracy by casting their votes.

"As the Assembly elections in Puducherry commence, I encourage every voter to participate in unprecedented numbers. I especially implore our youth and women voters to contribute to the democratic process, as each vote is pivotal in shaping Puducherry's future," PM Modi emphasized.

In Kerala, approximately 2.71 crore voters are poised to decide the governance of the state. Even before sunrise, the electoral machinery was set in motion. By 5:30 a.m., all 30,471 polling booths across the state were operational, with officials conducting necessary mock polling.

Remarkably, nearly two lakh voters have already participated via home voting.

Despite the official end of campaigning, candidates from all three political fronts engaged in last-minute efforts to reach out to undecided voters and key influencers, highlighting the unusually high stakes and excitement surrounding this election.

In Assam, the primary contest is between the BJP and Congress. The incumbent BJP aims for a third consecutive term, while Congress seeks to regain power lost in 2016.

Voting started at 7 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m. Reports indicate that long queues formed outside polling stations early in the morning. Assam's 126-member Assembly is set to conclude its term on May 20.

Polling proceeded smoothly across Puducherry on Thursday morning, as voters consistently arrived at booths to elect representatives for the 30-member Assembly. This election is significant as the Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), under Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

A competitive battle is anticipated, with all major political entities vying for dominance. Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar indicated that extensive preparations have been implemented to ensure a free and fair election.