Elections – NDA Eyes Strong Showing Across Five Key States
Elections – Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and leader of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), Ramdas Athawale, has expressed strong optimism about the National Democratic Alliance’s prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections across five regions. Speaking ahead of the polls, Athawale outlined his party’s participation strategy while reaffirming confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance.
RPI(A) outlines seat-sharing strategy
Athawale stated that his party has finalized plans to contest a limited number of seats while extending support to its alliance partners elsewhere. According to him, the Republican Party of India (Athawale faction) will field candidates in four constituencies in Assam. In Tamil Nadu, discussions are ongoing, with the party considering contesting three seats as the nomination process begins.
In Kerala, the party has decided to contest one seat. For the remaining constituencies across these states, Athawale confirmed that his party would back candidates from the BJP and other NDA allies. He emphasized that this collaborative approach is aimed at strengthening the alliance’s overall performance.
Athawale also conveyed confidence that the NDA, under BJP leadership, is well-positioned to secure victories across all five regions going to the polls.
Confidence in NDA’s electoral prospects
Highlighting the alliance’s preparedness, Athawale said that coordinated efforts among partners would play a crucial role in the elections. He noted that the NDA’s focus on development and governance could resonate with voters across different states.
While acknowledging the diversity of political landscapes in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam, he maintained that the alliance’s unified strategy would help it remain competitive.
Support for fuel price relief decision
In addition to election-related remarks, Athawale welcomed the Centre’s recent move to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel. He described the decision as beneficial for the public, particularly at a time when fuel prices have been a concern for many households.
According to him, the reduction is expected to ease financial pressure on citizens. He further stated that the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently taken steps aimed at public welfare and inclusive development.
Election schedule announced by ECI
The Election Commission of India had earlier released the polling schedule for Assembly elections in four states—West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam—along with the Union Territory of Puducherry.
As per the announced timetable, West Bengal will hold elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Kerala and Assam will conduct voting in a single phase on April 9. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to go to the polls on April 23, while voting in Puducherry will also take place on April 9.
The counting of votes for all four states and Puducherry is set for May 4, when the results will determine the political direction of these regions for the coming years.
Assembly terms nearing completion
The elections come as the terms of the current legislative assemblies approach their respective end dates. West Bengal’s assembly term concludes on May 7, followed by Tamil Nadu on May 10. Assam’s term ends on May 20, while Kerala’s assembly tenure will conclude on May 23. In Puducherry, the current assembly term is set to end on June 15.
With these deadlines approaching, political parties have intensified their campaign efforts, focusing on local issues, governance records, and voter outreach.
Athawale’s remarks reflect the NDA’s broader strategy of combining selective participation with alliance-based support, as the coalition seeks to expand its influence across diverse political regions.