Key Highlights
- 296 Total Seats: Polling is underway for 140 seats in Kerala, 126 in Assam, and 30 in Puducherry.
- 1,849 Candidates: A massive field of contenders is vying for power across the three regions.
- Single-Phase Execution: Unlike previous years, all three states are conducting elections in a single day for better administrative control.
- Counting Date: The final results for these high-stakes battles will be declared on May 4.
- High-Profile Contestants: Key leaders, including Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, are among the early voters.
The 2026 Assembly elections have reached their peak as citizens across Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry began casting their ballots at 7 a.m. today, April 9. This election cycle is particularly significant, as it tests the endurance of regional heavyweights and the influence of national parties. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has confirmed that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful process.
Kerala: A High-Stakes Triangular Battle
In Kerala, the political landscape is defined by a fierce triangular contest. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is seeking a historic third term, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have mounted aggressive campaigns to disrupt the status quo.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was among the early voters in Kannur, expressing confidence in the LDF’s governance record. Meanwhile, the UDF, spearheaded locally by Congress leaders and supported by Rahul Gandhi’s campaign efforts, is focusing on anti-incumbency and economic issues. The NDA, bolstered by frequent visits from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is aiming to significantly expand its footprint in the southern state.
Assam: Transition to a Single-Phase Poll
For the first time in recent history, Assam is voting in a single phase for all 126 seats. This shift, according to the ECI, is intended to make the process more cost-effective and easier to manage from a security standpoint.
The battle in the northeast remains a confrontation between the BJP-led alliance and a Congress-led coalition. Incumbent Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading the charge for the NDA, focusing on the state’s development and infrastructure. On the opposing side, Gaurav Gogoi and other Congress leaders are centering their campaign on regional identity and social welfare. To maintain transparency, the state has implemented webcasting at every polling station.
Puducherry and Security Measures
In Puducherry, voting for 30 Assembly seats is proceeding smoothly. The Union Territory is witnessing a competitive race where local issues like statehood and administrative autonomy dominate the discourse.
Across all three regions, the ECI has deployed thousands of security personnel, particularly in sensitive areas. Webcasting, drone surveillance, and strict monitoring of electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been prioritized to prevent any electoral malpractice. With the political temperature remaining high, today’s turnout is expected to be substantial as voters decide the future of their respective states for the next five years.
Kerala Assembly Election Results (Total Seats: 140)
Kerala’s political history is defined by the alternating power of two major alliances: the LDF (Left Democratic Front) and the UDF (United Democratic Front).
| Election Year | LDF (Seats) | UDF (Seats) | NDA/BJP (Seats) | Others/IND |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 99 (CPM: 62, CPI: 17) | 41 (INC: 21, IUML: 15) | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 91 (CPM: 58, CPI: 19) | 47 (INC: 22, IUML: 18) | 1 (BJP) | 1 |
| 2011 | 68 (CPM: 45, CPI: 13) | 72 (INC: 38, IUML: 20) | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | 98 (CPM: 61, CPI: 17) | 42 (INC: 24, IUML: 7) | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 | 40 (CPM: 24, CPI: 7) | 99 (INC: 63, IUML: 16) | 0 | 1 |
Assam Assembly Election Results (Total Seats: 126)
Assam saw a major political shift in 2016 when the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) ended the long-standing rule of the Indian National Congress.
| Election Year | NDA/BJP+ (Seats) | INC/Alliance (Seats) | AIUDF (Seats) | AGP (Seats)* | Others/IND |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 75 (BJP: 60, AGP: 9, UPPL: 6) | 50 (INC: 29, BPF: 4) | 16 | (Part of NDA) | 1 |
| 2016 | 86 (BJP: 60, AGP: 14, BPF: 12) | 26 | 13 | (Part of NDA) | 1 |
| 2011 | 5 (BJP) | 78 | 18 | 10 | 15 |
| 2006 | 10 (BJP) | 53 | 10 | 24 | 29 |
| 2001 | 8 (BJP) | 71 | — | 20 | 27 |
| *Note: AGP has historically contested both independently and in alliance. |
Puducherry Assembly Election Results (Total Seats: 30)
The Union Territory has seen frequent shifts between regional parties and national alliances.
| Election Year | AINRC (Seats) | INC (Seats) | DMK (Seats) | AIADMK (Seats) | BJP (Seats) | Others/IND |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| 2016 | 8 | 15 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | 15 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2006 | — | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| 2001 | — | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
Key Takeaways
- Kerala made history in 2021 by re-electing the LDF government, breaking a 40-year tradition of alternating power between fronts.
- Assam transitioned from a Congress stronghold (2001–2011) to a dominant BJP/NDA stronghold starting in 2016.
- Puducherry elections often rely on Independent candidates and regional parties like AINRC to reach the majority mark of 16.
