Election / Assembly Elections 2026: Polling Begins in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry
·1 hour ago·2 min read
Key Points
Voting started at 7 a.m. and will continue until evening, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4.
New Delhi, April 9: Polling has officially begun today in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, marking a crucial single-phase Assembly election across these regions.
Voting started at 7 a.m. and will continue until evening, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4.
In Assam, the BJP-led NDA, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress-led opposition, spearheaded by Gaurav Gogoi, aims to reclaim power after a decade. Regional outfits such as the AIUDF, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad are expected to play a decisive role in select constituencies. Around 2.5 crore voters, including over 1.25 crore women, first-time voters, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, are casting their ballots across 31,490 polling stations.
In Kerala’s 140 constituencies, the contest pits continuity against comeback. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking an unprecedented third straight term. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is banking on anti-incumbency and governance concerns to regain ground, while the BJP-led NDA hopes to turn incremental gains into a stronger Assembly presence. The decision rests with 2.71 crore voters, a majority of them women, who will shape the state’s political future.
In Puducherry, the Assembly election is a multi-cornered contest among the NDA, the Congress-DMK alliance, and actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Around 9.5 lakh voters will choose from 294 candidates across 1,099 polling stations spread over Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Voter Turnout
Early reports suggest steady participation across all three regions. Long queues were seen outside polling stations in several districts, with rural areas recording higher enthusiasm compared to urban centers. The Election Commission is expected to release official turnout figures throughout the day.
Also read: BJP Eyes Breakthrough in Southern and Eastern Strongholds Ahead of Assembly Polls
Seats at Stake
Kerala: 140 Assembly seats
Assam: 126 Assembly seats
Puducherry: 30 Assembly seats
Together, more than 5.3 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of these governments.
Security Measures
Authorities have deployed thousands of personnel across polling stations, with webcasting and strict monitoring in place to ensure free and fair elections.
Voting started at 7 a.m. and will continue until evening, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4.
In Assam, the BJP-led NDA, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress-led opposition, spearheaded by Gaurav Gogoi, aims to reclaim power after a decade. Regional outfits such as the AIUDF, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad are expected to play a decisive role in select constituencies. Around 2.5 crore voters, including over 1.25 crore women, first-time voters, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, are casting their ballots across 31,490 polling stations.
In Kerala’s 140 constituencies, the contest pits continuity against comeback. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking an unprecedented third straight term. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is banking on anti-incumbency and governance concerns to regain ground, while the BJP-led NDA hopes to turn incremental gains into a stronger Assembly presence. The decision rests with 2.71 crore voters, a majority of them women, who will shape the state’s political future.
In Puducherry, the Assembly election is a multi-cornered contest among the NDA, the Congress-DMK alliance, and actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Around 9.5 lakh voters will choose from 294 candidates across 1,099 polling stations spread over Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Voter Turnout
Early reports suggest steady participation across all three regions. Long queues were seen outside polling stations in several districts, with rural areas recording higher enthusiasm compared to urban centers. The Election Commission is expected to release official turnout figures throughout the day.
Also read: BJP Eyes Breakthrough in Southern and Eastern Strongholds Ahead of Assembly Polls
Seats at Stake
Kerala: 140 Assembly seats
Assam: 126 Assembly seats
Puducherry: 30 Assembly seats
Together, more than 5.3 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of these governments.
Security Measures
Authorities have deployed thousands of personnel across polling stations, with webcasting and strict monitoring in place to ensure free and fair elections.
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