State Elections 2026: Assam, Kerala, Puducherry See Steady Turnout
Voting underway in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry with steady early turnout.
Top Summary
- What happened: Voting commenced in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry for the 2026 state elections, with initial turnout figures showing consistent participation.
- Why it matters: These elections will determine the governments in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, shaping the political landscape and policies of these regions.
- What changes: New representatives will be elected to the state assemblies, potentially leading to shifts in governance and priorities.
- Who is affected: The 2,69,53,644 voters in Kerala, 9,44,211 in Puducherry, and 2,49,58,139 in Assam will be directly affected by the outcome of these elections.
Early Voting Trends
Voting began on Thursday across Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. The Election Commission of India reported the following early turnout figures:
- Kerala: 16.23%
- Assam: 17.87%
- Puducherry: 17.41%
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when results for all three assemblies will be announced.
Assam Elections: BJP Eyes Third Term
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate in large numbers. He specifically encouraged young voters to embrace the democratic process.
"enthusiastically participate and transform this election into a festival of democracy and civic duty"
The opposition raised concerns about alleged illegal voting by Hindi-speaking individuals in lower Assam. Congress candidate Mira Borthakur Goswami accused the BJP of potential vote manipulation, labeling it "vote chori."
Puducherry: NDA-INDIA Bloc Face-Off
Puducherry recorded an approximate voter turnout of 17.41% by 9 am.
Congress leader V Narayanasamy expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc securing victory in the Union Territory.
Kerala: Three-Way Contest
Kollam district reported a turnout of 16.04% by 10 am. Eravipuram (16.68%) and Kollam (16.64%) showed strong participation. Long queues were observed at polling booths.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph cast his vote in Kadathumkadav. He forecasted a significant UDF victory with over 100 seats.
He anticipates a fourth consecutive win in Peravur, dismissing unfavorable opinion poll predictions.
What to Watch Next
Attention will now shift to monitoring voter turnout throughout the day in all three regions. The focus will also be on any further allegations of electoral malpractice and the Election Commission's response to ensure free and fair elections, with the final counting scheduled on May 4.