Brisk polling recorded during local elections in 3 Indian states

Brisk polling was recorded Monday for local elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, officials said.

According to election commission officials, 69.19 percent voter turnout was recorded in Tamil Nadu, 71 percent in Kerala and 81.94 percent in Puducherry.

Officials said inclement weather and heavy downpour played spoilsport during the polling in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.

Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time and concluded at 6:00 p.m. local time.

People in the poll bound areas were seen standing in long queues outside polling stations, waiting for their turn to cast the ballot. Authorities had made adequate security arrangements for the polling in all the three states.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had requested voters to actively participate in the polls.

"Urging all voters in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry to vote in record numbers today and be a part of this festival of democracy," Modi wrote on twitter.

India's deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters that polling was peaceful in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry barring a few minor incidents. Sinha said they have seized cash worth 16.4 million U.S. dollars during election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

Voting in two constituencies of Tamil Nadu was postponed following seizure of money allegedly meant to bribe voters.

In Tamil Nadu, the incumbent Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa of AIADMK is seeking a second straight term in the state.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition Congress party are having little chance against the regional parties AIADMK and DMK parties.

DMK is led by former chief minister, 91-year-old M Karunanidhi.

Political analysts say the contest would be between DMK and AIADMK.

Likewise in Kerala, the Left Democratic Front hopes to unseat the Congress-led United Democratic Front. 92-year-old Left leader V S Achuthanandan is trying to unseat incumbent Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

BJP so far has never won any seat in local or general elections in the state.

Prior to this, elections were held in Assam and West Bengal in staggered phases. Counting of votes in all the five states would be held on May 19, following which results would be announced.

Source: XINHUA