Overview
- AIADMK’s National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu announced Monday that the BJP will contest 27 seats, the PMK 18 and the AMMK 11, ending weeks of haggling over shares.
- Assam’s filings surged to 818 candidates, which officials confirmed Tuesday as scrutiny began with withdrawals due by Thursday before the April 9 vote.
- Ticket denials in Assam set off defections and rebel bids, with minister Nandita Garlosa switching to Congress on Sunday to contest Haflong and BJP leaders preparing Independent runs.
- NDA candidates in Guwahati held a joint roadshow before filing papers to project unity, even as reports flagged ‘friendly fights’ between BJP and ally AGP in a few seats.
- Puducherry’s Congress–DMK pact came at the last minute, with protests after former chief minister V. Narayanasamy was denied a ticket and cross-filings expected to be resolved by March 26; polls are on April 9 in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry and on April 23 in Tamil Nadu, with counting on May 4.