Narrow Margins

Record turnout in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal polls; Election Commission of India hails voters as participation hits historic highs since Independence

In West Bengal, Paschim Mednipur district recorded a high turnout of 65.77 per cent followed by Jhargam at 65.31 per cent and Bankura at 64.58

PM Modi especially urged the youth and women of the two states to vote in record numbers

In Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, where assembly polls were held on Thursday, women voters outdid their male counterparts by lining up at voting centres

Record turnout in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry signals high-stakes contests as ruling alliances seek third terms amid tight races and strong voter participation

From age and education to wealth and criminal cases, a closer look at who is contesting the April 9 polls across key states

While Modi's BJP seeks to expand its foothold in states dominated by regional parties, the elections come as India faces an uncertain growth outlook after a surge in oil prices following West Asia war

Voting will be held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam, and 30 in Puducherry in this phase of the election

High-stakes polls in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry test incumbents, opposition strength and shifting political dynamics across key regions

The promises, if implemented, will aggravate public finances to varying degrees in these states, depending on the parameters chosen