Having been in the political wilderness for a decade, the UDF cannot afford to sit out of power for another five years. For the LDF, which suffered a series of setbacks in the Assemblybypolls, the Lok Sabha elections, and the local body polls, the April 9 Assembly elections will be a test of its credentials. For the National Democratic Alliance too the polls will be decisive, having seen a slump in their votesharein the local body elections

On the final day of public campaigning on Tuesday (April 7, 2026), party leaders and candidates undertake high-decibel whirlwind tours of their constituencies to make a final, fervent appeal to voters

India is set to boost its rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is inviting bids for integrated facilities. This initiative aims to reduce import dependence and support key sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy. The government plans to support significant production capacity. Bidding closes in May 2026, with selections expected soon after.

Candidates in the constituency focuses on areas missed during their earlier campaign trail, dropping in at households with a small band of workers in tow

Over the past Assembly elections, the UDF and the LDF have traded control, each claiming the district in turn

Preparations for the April 9 elections conclude in the district where a total of 60 candidates will be in the fray across nine constituencies

Association president says, our people have been living without caste certificates for over 50 years, because of this our children are struggling and unable to pursue higher education or apply for government jobs

Zakir Hossain from Dhaka Bangladeshs sports regulatory body has dissolved the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) committee led by Aminul Islam Bulbul following findings of irregularities in last years elections, and appointed an ad hoc panel headed by former national captain Tamim Iqbal Khan. The National Sports Council (NSC) took the decision on Tuesday, two days []

Leema Rose Martin, AIADMK's Lalgudi candidate, is the wealthiest contender in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. She declared assets totaling approximately Rs 1,049.56 crore. Her affidavit reveals significant movable and immovable properties. Martin's husband and son also have substantial declared assets. The candidate faces pending criminal cases, some related to tax and money laundering investigations.

Kolkata, April 7: In a bold move, BJP candidate Raju Patra arrived on a bulldozer to file his nomination for the Galasi assembly seat in East Bardhaman district on Tuesday. His message was clear: if elected, he plans to use the bulldozer to eliminate issues such as oppression, corruption, violence against women, and lack of ... Read more BJP Candidate Rides Bulldozer to File Nomination in Bengal Elections

Thiruvananthapuram, April 7: Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Kerala president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accused the CPI-M and Congress on Tuesday of turning the issue of womens entry into the Sabarimala temple into an emotional topic to gain votes in the upcoming assembly elections. His remarks came as a nine-judge constitutional bench, led by Chief ... Read more Rajeev Chandrasekhar Criticizes Left and Congress for Exploiting Sabarimala Issue for Votes

The Indian National Congress has launched a welfare-centric manifesto for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The party aims to present itself as a third option against the dominant Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party. Promises include free education, monthly financial aid for women, and support for farmers.

He says the upcoming Assembly election is a decisive choice between continuing Keralas development trajectory or risking a reversal under the Opposition

Videos and other content that are counter-checking the claims of candidates have taken over the digital space, with many turning into a treasure trove of accidental comedy ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections on April 9

Thiruvananthapuram, April 7: Ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed confidence on Tuesday that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is heading towards a clear victory. He attributed this to widespread anti-incumbency sentiments and the publics desire for change against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Tharoor dismissed the prospects of ... Read more Shashi Tharoor Confident of UDF Victory in Kerala Assembly Elections

Assembly elections are taking place in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal this month and counting will take place on May 4.

Chennai, April 7: As the assembly elections approach in Tamil Nadu, the northern districts are once again in the spotlight. These areas could significantly influence the election results. The region from Cuddalore to Tiruvannamalai has historically been politically crucial, often playing a major role in determining electoral outcomes. This time, the DMK appears to be ... Read more DMK Strengthens Its Hold in Northern Tamil Nadu Ahead of Elections

Chennai Poll Canvas is an election special programme from The Hindu, offering a comprehensive constituency roundup from in and around Chennai for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.

A largely Hindi-belt party, the BJP is looking to break into the strongholds of regional parties in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The campaign for the Assam Assembly elections has ended. Voters will decide the fate of 722 candidates on April 9. The BJP and Congress traded sharp accusations. The ruling party highlighted development schemes. The opposition alleged corruption and hate politics.

Guwahati: The campaign, fraught with accusations and promises galore, for the elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly ended at 5 pm on Tuesday, April 7. The polls will be held on April 9 to decide the electoral fate of 722 candidates. BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, attacked Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels.

Karnataka 2nd PUC Result 2026 Date And Time: The delay in the result announcement is due to the Model Code of Conduct in force for by-elections in Bagalkot and Davangere.

New Delhi, Apr 7: The Election Commission may roll out the third and final phase of special intensive revision of voters list in the remaining 22 states and Union territories, including Delhi, after the polls to five assemblies this month, officials said. Assembly elections are taking place in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal this month and counting will take place on May 4. The officials said special intensive revision (SIR) could be rolled out after the polls [] The post E

The current president of BCB, Aminul Islam Bulbul was removed by the country's National Sports Council (NSC), which formed an ad-hoc committee to run the day-to-day affairs till fresh elections are held.

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is among the star campaigners appointed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. Along with him, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy will campaign for the elections scheduled on April 23. Uttam Kumar Reddy has been assigned Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegra

Guwahati, April 7: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called on the people of Assam to vote out the most corrupt government in the upcoming elections on April 9. He accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of widespread corruption and abuse of power. Kharge emphasized that this is a battle between a corrupt chief minister and ... Read more Kharge Urges Assam Voters to Dismiss Corrupt Government in Upcoming Elections

GUWAHATI, Apr 7: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday asserted that the opposition alliance will form a government in Assam by winning around 73 seats of 126 assembly constituencies in the upcoming elections. Addressing a press meet here, he described Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the most corrupt in India and sought comments from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on this. The Congress-led alliance is going to form the next government in Assam. We will win 72-73 seats, Kharge []

The Election Commission plans to conduct the final phase of voter list revision across 22 states and Union Territories. This exercise will commence after the ongoing assembly elections conclude. So far, 60 crore voters have been covered in previous clean-up drives. The upcoming phase will cover the remaining 39 crore electors.

Residents of Adyar's Kasturba Nagar are urging candidates to address critical issues ahead of elections. Key demands include clearing encroachments on Canal Bank Road, which hinder commute, and upgrading aging sewer lines struggling with increased population density. Residents also seek improved infrastructure like new transformers and streetlights to enhance daily life and safety in the area.

Assam is now heading for the 2026 Assembly elections, with voting scheduled for April 9.

Patna, April 7: Dinesh Lal Yadav, a renowned Bhojpuri film actor and former BJP MP, has shared his insights on West Bengals political landscape. In a recent conversation, he addressed Mamata Banerjees recent statements, the voter list controversy, and the ongoing political developments related to elections and parliament. Yadav stated, Mamata Banerjee has now understood ... Read more Dinesh Lal Yadav Comments on Mamata Banerjees Political Fears

As 30 constituencies in the Union Territory of Puducherry go to polls on April 9, 2026, here are some key takeaways from past voting trends, close contests and more.

A political confrontation between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior Congress Party spokesperson Pawan Khera has intensified just a day before the northeastern Indian state goes to the polls on Thursday.

Kolkata, April 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in seven campaign events in West Bengal, starting from April 9, as the state prepares for its assembly elections in two phases. A member of the West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state committee stated that according to the current schedule, Modi will address ... Read more Prime Minister Modi to Hold Seven Campaign Events in West Bengal from April 9-12

Assam's Assembly elections approach with a passport controversy escalating. Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi criticizes Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's government. Gogoi calls the actions authoritarian, likening them to a 'Hitler-style government'. He accuses the Chief Minister of hiding behind the police. Allegations involve CM Sarma's wife holding multiple passports and undisclosed properties.

Open campaigning set to end at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. While LDF banks on governance track record, UDF stresses need to end 10 years of decline, and BJP vows to end LDF-UDF revolving-door politics in Kerala

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has accused Pakistan's Defence Minister of playing a premeditated political game orchestrated by the Trinamool Congress. Dubey claims this strategic distraction is designed to overshadow ongoing illegal infiltration issues in West Bengal. elections.

Exit polls are banned from April 9 to April 29 during assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. This prohibition is mandated by the Election Commission under the Representation of the People Act. Violators face imprisonment or fines. Campaigning also ends 48 hours before voting begins in these states.

Swaraj cites instances of Congress MLAs joining BJP in different States and warns the electorate in Kerala that such a scenario is possible in the State too

Republicans won in 2024 by promising to cut the cost of living, but high gas prices are frustrating voters and providing a potent line of attack ahead of this years elections.

Assam elections: Himanta Biswa Sarma came under fire from the Congress after a police team made a surprise visit to Congress leader Pawan Khera's home in Delhi, stemming from allegations he levied against the CM and his family.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated Congress leader Pawan Khera went to Hyderabad after police searched his Delhi home. This follows an FIR filed by Sarma's wife over passport allegations. Sarma vowed strong action against Khera and questioned foreign links to Congress leaders. He asserted the Congress party is finished in Assam. Elections are scheduled for April 9.

Kerala Opposition Leader urges investigation and action against perpetrators

Dilip Ghosh began his political career in 1984 as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteer.

Amid low representation, three young women candidates take on BJP heavyweights in Assam elections

Thiruvananthapuram, April 7: K.C. Venugopal, the General Secretary of the AICC, launched a sharp attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday, accusing him of alleged secret meetings with top BJP leaders. In an open letter, he raised ten questions regarding purported behind-the-scenes deals and governance issues ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in ... Read more K.C. Venugopal Demands Clarification from Kerala CM on Alleged Secret Meetings with BJP Leaders

West Bengal elections: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged names of people from specific communities were removed from voter rolls. She stated this happened during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Banerjee claimed her intervention in the Supreme Court helped restore many names. Elections for the West Bengal assembly are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

Puducherry elections: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged the BJP aims to control Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. He criticized the BJP's policies, including the National Education Policy, calling them detrimental to future generations. Stalin highlighted Tamil Nadu's economic growth under the Dravidian model government.

Barakpur, April 7: Ahead of the first phase of voting in West Bengal, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has taken charge of the campaign. Speaking at a rally in Barakpur, he launched a strong attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and highlighted the achievements of his government. Rajnath Singh stated, It is now certain that the ... Read more Rajnath Singh Criticizes TMC Governance Ahead of West Bengal Elections

Kolkata, April 7: BJP leaders have endorsed the removal of over 9 million names from the voter list in West Bengal, asserting that the Mamata Banerjee government intended to bring outsiders into the state for elections. BJP candidate Arjun Singh stated, Names of deceased voters, duplicate voters, Rohingyas, and Bangladeshi Muslims have been removed. The ... Read more BJP Leaders Criticize Mamata Banerjee, Claiming She Aims to Bring Outsiders for Elections

With Himanta Biswa Sarma criss-crossing the State as campaigner-in-chief, the challenge for local BJP canvassers in Jalukbari is to ensure healthy numbers in order to match or better the CMs six-figure margin from 2021

Voters will be eligible to purchase 1 kg of Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation brands puttu powder for 1 on the two days following the polls, but offer applicable to customers who make purchases worth more than 1,000 on non-subsidised items at Supplyco outlets. Voters must present proof by showing indelible ink mark on finger

Nearly 91 lakh names were removed from West Bengal's electoral rolls after a special revision exercise. The Election Commission's data shows significant deletions, impacting the voter base. While some deletions were finalized, others remain under adjudication. Electoral rolls for the first phase of assembly elections have now been frozen.

West Bengal's voter list has seen a significant reduction of 91 lakh names before the assembly elections. Over 27 lakh voters were deemed ineligible after judicial review. Murshidabad and Malda districts recorded the highest number of deletions. The electoral rolls were finalized for the first phase of polling on April 23. Results will be declared on May 4.

As Kerala gears up for the crucial 2026 Assembly elections, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan finds himself at a pivotal crossroads in his political career

Kolkata, April 7: As West Bengal prepares for its upcoming assembly elections, security measures have been significantly heightened. This election sees the largest deployment of paramilitary forces in the states history, aimed at ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process. Approximately 2,400 paramilitary companies, totaling around 240,000 personnel, have been deployed. Notably, this number is ... Read more Major Security Deployment for West Bengal Elections: 240,000 Paramilitary Personnel M

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin engaged with voters in Sirkazhi town during an early morning outreach. He sought support for the DMK-led alliance ahead of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. Stalin also criticized the Central government on various issues. He questioned the BJP's stance on minority rights and federal funding.

The TMC always wins elections by threatening people and stopping the opposition. They were trying to move forward in the same way, but see, after a week, the TMC will slowly disappear from the market. They won't be seen on the streets. Not a single goon will remain outside. All the leaders will look after their homes, he said.

Chennai, April 7: The nomination process for the 234 members of the Tamil Nadu Assembly concluded on Monday. The scrutiny of nomination papers will commence on Tuesday at 11 AM, marking a crucial phase in the electoral process. Voting in the state is scheduled for April 23, with the counting of votes set for May ... Read more Nomination Process for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Begins with 3,430 Submissions

Tamil Nadu elections: Leema Rose, wife of Santiago Martin, has filed her nomination for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. She is the richest candidate, declaring substantial assets. Her husband and son also declared significant wealth. The elections are approaching with major alliances campaigning. Actor Vijay's party is also entering the fray, aiming for a three-way contest. The NDA is confident of victory.

The Election Commission has announced the commencement of the silence period for Assam legislative assembly elections from 5:00 PM today, prohibiting all forms of campaigning, including public meetings and social media dissemination. This 48-hour period before polling on April 9 aims to ensure a free and fair electoral process, with strict compliance mandated for all stakeholders.

Chennai, April 7: In a surprising revelation ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, AIADMK candidate Lima Rose has emerged as the wealthiest contender in the state. Her nomination affidavit disclosed a staggering family wealth of 5,863 crores. Lima Rose is contesting from the Lalgudi constituency in Tiruchirappalli district. According to her affidavit, she possesses ... Read more AIADMK Candidate Emerges as Wealthiest in Tamil Nadu Elections

Chennai, April 7: In a surprising revelation during the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, AIADMK candidate Lima Rose has emerged as the wealthiest contestant in the state. She disclosed a staggering family asset total of 5,863 crore in her nomination affidavit. Lima Rose is contesting from the Lalgudi constituency in Tiruchirappalli district. According to her affidavit, ... Read more AIADMK Candidate Lima Emerges as Tamil Nadus Wealthiest with 5,863 Crore Family Assets

The incumbent MLA is contesting with UDF support again and her LDF rival is veteran socialist leader M.K. Bhaskaran. The NDA nominee is K. Dileep of the BJP

While the Left hails the achievements of the health sector over the past decade as unprecedented, high out of pocket expenditure, lack of adequate human resources despite improvements in infrastructure, and issues with Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhati implementation contest the claim

P.C. George, the seven-time MLA now representing the NDA, is hopeful of putting behind him the backlash he got from the Muslim community in 2021; incumbent MLA Sebastian Kulathungal of the LDF is pitching stability and steady governance; UDFs M.J. Sebastian is betting big on anti-incumbency

Podcasts seem to be the most sought out tool for campaigning thistime. From bigwigs likePinarayiVijayan toV.D. Satheesan, manycandidates have given podcast interviewsahead of the polls, most of which haveearnedlakhs of views

The 73 segments in north Kerala spread across Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts constitute a political mosaic where every constituency tells a different electoral story

Abhishek Banerjee criticizes Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah for their silence. He highlights Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's alleged threat to strike Kolkata. Banerjee questions their courage to condemn the statement. He challenges them to allow forces to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The upcoming elections in West Bengal are expected to be a high-voltage contest.

The Election Commission of India has announced the Silent Period for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, commencing April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM, prohibiting all campaigning for 48 hours before polling. This includes public meetings, rallies, and electronic media dissemination. Assam will vote on April 9, with counting on May 4.

Kerala Congress chief Sunny Joseph said the UDF expects a comfortable win in the April 9 assembly elections, targeting over 100 seats and building on its local body poll performance. He dismissed the BJPs aggressive campaign, saying it would not influence voters.

Single-phase polling will be held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam and 30 seats in Puducherry

PUDUCHERRY, Apr 6 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday lampooned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his claims of an increase in the prices of petrol and diesel, saying that it indeed was the case, but in neighbouring Pakistan. Addressing a poll rally at Mannadipet constituency here ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said that while the NDA on one side was keen to develop Puducherry, on the other side was the Congress leader, [] The post Amit Shah mocks Rahul Gandh

Shimla, April 7: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has dealt a significant blow to the state government by imposing an interim stay on the powers granted to deputy commissioners to reserve 5% of seats in the upcoming panchayat elections. The court deemed this provision prima facie unconstitutional, stating that any reservation list prepared under this ... Read more Himachal Pradesh High Court Halts 5% Reservation for Deputy Commissioners in Panchayat Elections

Agartala, April 7: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha stated on Monday that the people are increasingly aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) due to its development-oriented agenda. He sharply criticized opposition parties ahead of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. While addressing an election rally in Dasda Bazar, supporting BJP ... Read more Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha: People Support BJPs Development Agenda

Kozhikode, April 7: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, campaigning for the Kerala elections, stated that a change is on the horizon. She criticized both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging collusion between the two parties. While addressing the media in Kozhikode, Priyanka emphasized that the public has become ... Read more Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Calls for Change in Kerala Amidst Allegations of Collusion Between LDF and BJP

Kolkata, April 7: BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar has launched a sharp attack on TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the upcoming assembly elections. He stated that the people of Shantipur are wise and know who to vote for. In an interview with a news agency, Sarkar claimed that Banerjee is aware ... Read more TMCs Downfall in West Bengal is Inevitable: Jagannath Sarkar

Patna, April 7: BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy has made bold predictions regarding the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections. He criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that when the ground begins to shift, nonsensical statements often emerge. During a media interaction in Patna, Rudy asserted that the people of Bengal are ready for change this ... Read more BJPs Rajiv Pratap Rudy Predicts Change in Bengal, Targets Mamata Banerjee

Ranchi, April 7: Babulal Marandi, the leader of the opposition in Jharkhand, has responded to the ongoing elections in Assam and the allegations made by the Indian National Congress regarding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas wife allegedly holding two passports from Muslim-majority countries. He criticized the Congress party, stating that they make baseless claims. Regarding ... Read more Babulal Marandi Criticizes Congress and Targets Assam Elections

Palakkad, April 6: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday. With elections approaching, he targeted the Chief Minister twice in one day. During his first address in Thrissur and the second in Palakkad, Gandhi accused the ruling CPI(M) and BJP of having an unspoken understanding. He ... Read more Rahul Gandhi Intensifies Attack on Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Ahead of Elections

Thiruvananthapuram, April 7: As the election day approaches, Kerala will enter a 48-hour silent period starting this evening, aimed at ensuring a free and fair electoral process. The state will hold elections for 140 new legislators on Thursday, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Ratan U. Kelkar announced on Monday ... Read more Kerala Enforces Strict Campaign Ban Ahead of Elections

Soiru Velip Panaji Though the outcome of the Ponda byelection will not alter the numerical strength of the Sawant government, the contest has assumed significance as a political barometer ahead of the 2027 Goa Legislative Assembly elections. The current contest in Ponda Assembly constituency appears to be a sympathy wave versus local anti-incumbency, which will []

The Malda gherao to protest the SIR adjudication vitiates the Bengal elections

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy expresses confidence in his party, AINRC, securing a second consecutive term. He highlights effective governance and welfare programs as key strengths. Rangasamy is contesting from two constituencies. The party is allied with BJP, AIADMK, and LJK for the upcoming elections. He also discussed the long-standing demand for statehood for Puducherry.

An appellate tribunal has ordered the Election Commission of India to add Congress candidate Md Motakkin Alam to the electoral list. This decision comes as electoral rolls are set to freeze for the first phase of the Bengal polls. The tribunal's ruling impacts the inclusion of voters. Many people faced chaos while submitting appeals before the deadline.

Kolkata, April 7: The Election Commission has suspended the officer in charge of the Nahati police station in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. This decision comes amid allegations that the officer played a biased role during the nomination process. Reports indicate that the officer escorted the chairman of the Nahati municipality to ... Read more Bengal Elections: Police Officer Suspended for Alleged Bias During Nomination Process

Polling for the Kerala Assembly elections is scheduled to be held on April 9 in a single phase across all 140 constituencies, with campaigning set to conclude on April 7.

Coimbatore, April 6: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy expressed confidence on Monday that the NDA will secure a full majority in the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Speaking in Coimbatore, he stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the NDA is set to ... Read more NDA Confident of Securing Majority in Tamil Nadu: G. Kishan Reddy

Kerala will observe a 48-hour silence period from Tuesday evening ahead of the April 9 polls, with strict restrictions on campaigning, advertisements, and public events to ensure free and fair elections. Authorities have also asked non-local political workers to leave constituencies to prevent undue influence.