Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry Assembly Elections 2016: As it happened

Voting ends in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry where millions of people voted today bringing down the curtains on staggered five-state elections -- the biggest popularity test since the Lok Sabha battle.

The Election Commission further says that the overall polling percentage of 81.94% recorded in Puducherry Assembly election till 5pm.

Overall polling percentage of 71% recorded in Kerala Assembly election till 6pm, likely to go up: EC

Overall polling percentage of 69.19% recorded in Tamil Nadu Assembly election till 5 pm, says EC.

The polling percentage in Kerala -- which elects a 140-seat Assembly -- was 70.35 at 5 pm.

65% voter turnout recorded in Kerala till 4 pm.

Kerala records over 50 % and Tamil Nadu 63.7 % voters turnout till 3 pm.

42.1 per cent voters turnout recorded till 1 pm in Tamil Nadu. Kerala records 45  per cent voting till 1 pm.

Members of Chennai's transgender community cast their vote, polling underway.

"Heavy rains reported at in few parts including coastal regions of Nagapattinam and Cuddalore district. Have asked district collectors over extending poll time in rain-affected districts and then we'll inform the ECI, decision to be taken after 3 pm," says Rajesh Lahoni, Chief Electoral Officer Tamil Nadu.

DMK women's wing secretary and Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi casts her vote at a polling booth in Chennai.

About 25.2 per cent voters' turnout in Tamil Nadu, 30 % in Kerala and 27.51 in Puducherry till 11 am.

The Supreme Court refuses to entertain a plea seeking SIT probe in the money seizure matter during in Tamil Nadu, asks petitioner to approach HC.

"We are concerned about large-scale use of money, particularly in Kerala and Puducherry. We have given the EC ample evidence of money being used across Kerala by Congress. Election Commission assured us that action will be taken," says Rajiv Pratap Rudy of BJP.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor casts his vote at a polling booth in Thiruvananthapuram.

S Sreesanth, the BJP candidate in Thiruvananthapuram, casts his vote at a polling booth in Kochi.

"Ground situation in Kerala is not in favour of BJP. We're quite confident about winning of UDF this time. BJP will not open account in the Assembly election," says CM Chandy. Oommen  Chandy after casting his vote in Kottayam. ​​

"We have done our duty, hope the others have also done", actor Kamal Haasan after casting his vote in Chennai

"In two days, you will know as to what is the judgement of the people," says Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa after casting her vote. 
Also Read: Jayalalithaa casts her vote in Tamil Nadu polls

Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalitha casts her vote at Chennai's Stella Maris College.​ Also Read: Coming two days will decide TN's fate, says CM Jayalalithaa​

18.3 per cent voting in Tamil Nadu till 9 am. Kerala records 13.5 per cent and 9 per cent voting in Pudhucherry in first two hours of polling. Also Read: Kerala records 12.11 percent polling till 9 AM

"Everyone should vote, that is a duty," says actor Rajinikanth after casting his vote in Chennai.

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam casts his vote at a polling booth in Jawahar Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram. Also Read: In a first, Kerala Governor casts his vote​

PM’s comparison of Kerala with Somalia has hurt the pride of Malayalis. PM’ speech in Trivandrum really dented BJP’s chances in Kerala: AK Antony.

"Despite the hectic campaign of the Prime Minister, BJP will not be able to open account in Kerala assembly. I am very clear that we will get more seats than we got in last elections. For the first time in Kerala's history, UDF going to come back again. We'll win Kerala Elections hands down," says Congress leader AK Antony. 

Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi casts his vote at a polling booth in Thiruvananthapuram. Also Read: PM Modi's Kerala-Somalia gaffe severely dented BJP's chances, says Congress​

"We will win enough number of seats, our winning prospects are bright. Money distribution is curbed to a level, but there are incidents of cash transfer through trucks. People have question in their mind if Election Commission will initiate action against them," says DMK chief after casting his vote.

DMK chief M Karunanidhi casts his vote at a polling booth in Gopalapuram in Chennai.

Actor Rajinikanth casts his vote in Chennai's Stella Maris College.