Elections to the Assembly constituencies in Kerala and Assam, as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry, begun at 7 am today, in what marks a summer of elections.
Polling for the 140 Assembly constituencies in Kerala will see a three-cornered contest between the CPI(M)-led LDF, the Congress-led UDF and the BJP-led NDA.
Assam will see a two-cornered fight for its 126-member Assembly between the BJP-led NDA and an opposition alliance spearheaded by the Congress.
In Puducherry, the contest its 30 Assembly constituencies involves the ruling NDA, which includes NR Congress and BJP and the Congress-DMK alliance. Actor Vijay's TVK is seeking to make it triangular.
Voting will conclude at 5 pm.
Counting of votes will take place on May 4, along with Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, which go to the polls later this month.
The Assam voter turnout till 8 pm stood at 85.51%. The Election Commission said the final poll percentage would be compiled and disseminated on Friday after receipt of all reports.
Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday described the high voter turnout in the Assam assembly elections as “not ordinary but historic,” expressing confidence in the outcome.
Sarma said the result of the election was “already visible - in the hope, pride and happiness on the faces of our people.”
“What we set out to do was not merely fight an election, but to turn it into a movement a movement to protect our civilisational values, our culture and our land,” he said in a post on X.
What we set out to do was not merely fight an election, but to turn it into a movement — a movement to protect our civilisational values, our culture, and our land.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 9, 2026
Today, for the first time, our people have come out in unprecedented numbers — voting shoulder to shoulder,…
Voting for the 30 Assembly constituencies in the Union Territory of Puducherry concluded at 6 pm while people who arrived before the deadline were allowed to wait in queues and cast their votes, officials said.
According to initial estimates, Puducherry registered the highest-ever voter turnout of 89.87%.
Groups of BJP and Congress workers were clashing in a booth in Mannadipet Assembly Constituency during the polling, police sources said.
Due to the incident, tension prevailed briefly in the booth located in Tirukanoor village.
Voting for the 140 Assembly seats in Kerala concluded at 6 pm on Thursday with people still standing in queues outside many polling stations.
Those present at the polling stations at 6 pm were given tokens and would be allowed to vote.
Till 7 pm, a turnout of 77.45 per cent was recorded, slightly higher than that of the 2021 Assembly polls which saw a polling percentage of 74.06 per cent.
A young mother in this central district on Thursday claimed that she was not being allowed to vote by the presiding officer of a polling booth at Kurkancheri due to a serious injury on her left index finger, which was bandaged.
There have been multiple incidents of poll-related violence in Assam.
A senior police officer alleged that Kartik Sena Sinha, contesting from Patharkandi in Sribhumi district, entered the Rangamati polling booth and argued with the presiding officer.
“He claimed that fake electors had cast votes in the names of genuine voters. When the presiding officer denied the charge, he broke the EVM,” the officer said. “Following this, supporters of Congress and the BJP clashed.”
“In the clash, around 25 people were injured, of whom two are in serious condition. They have been shifted to Karimganj Civil Hospital for treatment,” the officer added.
Voting at the polling station was suspended for nearly three hours due to the violence and resumed only after election officials replaced the damaged EVM.
In another incident, three leaders of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) were injured in a clash with BJP supporters at Khowang constituency in Dibrugarh district, another police officer told PTI.
"According to reports, AJP alleged that BJP was running an IT cell at a house in the area. A group of AJP workers reached there along with the police. After some time, AJP leaders Samudra Barua, Swakhyar Borgohain and Chitrakamal Handique also went there," he added.
Following a heated exchange of words, the AJP workers and BJP activists got involved in a physical brawl, in which the three AJP leaders were injured, the officer said.
There have been other cases of violence across constituencies.
An estimated 84.42 per cent voter turnout was recorded as polling ended at 5 PM on Thursday in all 126 assembly constituencies of Assam, surpassing the previous 82.04 per cent voting in the 2021 elections, officials said.
Dalgaon recorded the highest voting at 94.57 per cent, while the lowest turnout was in Amri at 70.40 per cent, they said.
Assembly polling across Kerala progressed largely peacefully, but protests were reported at several booths on Thursday over allegations of bogus voting.
A minor scuffle broke out between Congress and BJP activists at Manalur in Thrissur district after UDF candidate T N Prathapan arrived in the area.
According to police, BJP activists prevented people accompanying Prathapan from entering the booth premises, leading to the scuffle.
In Wadakkanchery, also in Thrissur district, a voter, Sajeev, was unable to cast his vote after election officials informed him that his vote had already been recorded as a postal ballot.
This triggered protests by BJP activists, prompting police intervention.
Although election officials offered to allow him to cast a tender vote, he declined.
BJP candidate T S Ullas Babu later arrived at the booth and staged a protest.
A similar incident occurred in Kuttiady, Kozhikode district, where a woman was denied the right to vote after it was found that her vote had already been cast as a postal ballot.
At Malampuzha and Shoranur in Palakkad district, Thrikkaripur in Kasaragod, and Vattiyoorkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, complaints emerged that votes had been cast in the names of original voters, leading to protests.
The affected voters were later permitted to cast tender votes.
If a voter arrives at the polling station and finds someone has already voted in their name, they can inform the presiding officer.
After satisfactorily proving their identity with valid documents, the voter is allowed to cast a tendered ballot instead of using the voting machine.
In Kalpetta, Wayanad, a polling agent was removed after it was found that she was simultaneously working as an ASHA worker.
In a separate incident in Uduma, Kasaragod, a Congress agent was caught using "smart spectacles" inside a polling booth.
At a polling booth in Badaje, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, a defect was noticed in a voting machine that recorded more votes than were actually polled.
#WATCH | Assam | Polling officials seal EVM and VVPAT on the conclusion of voting in Assam Assembly elections; Visuals from Kamrup.
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
A presiding officer says, "The voting concluded peacefully...I thank the Election Commission of India for conducting the elections peacefully" pic.twitter.com/qLjlE45IXi
Religion remains a key factor in Kerala’s electoral arithmetic, with communities distributed unevenly across regions and influencing voting patterns.
Hindus account for about 54–55% of the state’s population, Muslims around 26–27% and Christians about 18–19%, making Kerala one of India’s most religiously diverse states.
The regional spread is distinct. North Kerala, which has around 48 seats, has a strong Muslim presence, with nearly 47% of the population, and about 63% of the state’s Muslim population concentrated in this belt.
Central Kerala, accounting for 53 seats, has a significant Christian presence, with Christians making up around 28% of the population and nearly 56% of the state’s Christian population residing in the region.
South Kerala, with 39 seats, is predominantly Hindu.
At the district level, three Muslim-majority districts with more than 30% in population — Kasaragod, Kozhikode and Malappuram — together account for 34 seats.
Four Christian-influenced districts with population over 30% — Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta — account for 33 seats.
Districts with a combined minority population (Muslims and Christians) exceeding 50% — including Wayanad, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Idukki and Kottayam — account for 47 seats.
Meanwhile, nine districts — Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Kannur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram — together account for about 93 seats and remain Hindu-majority.
#WATCH | Kannur: During the Keralam Legislative Assembly elections, Congress leader K. Sudhakaran cast his vote at Kizhunna South UP School, Polling Booth No. 157. pic.twitter.com/4Auq82EtdJ
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Urging voters to exercise their right, Kerala CEO Rathan U Kelkar said that the target of 90 per cent voter turnout can be achieved.
"If the current trend continues, by the time polling concludes, we are confident we will see a turnout of 90 per cent," he told reporters.
PHOTO | Kerala polls: Ernakulam sets up women and child-friendly green polling stations with creche facilities, toys, and waiting areas managed by Anganwadi workers.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Source: Third Party)#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #KeralaPollsWithPTI pic.twitter.com/IAWNAHPiKy
#WATCH | Kannur, Keralam: During the Keralam Legislative Assembly elections, Speaker A. N. Shamseer cast his vote at Polling Booth No. 74. pic.twitter.com/VTpXPpnfrX
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Caste and community dynamics also play a role, though Assam’s politics is more tribe- and ethnicity-driven than caste-centric.
Other Backward Classes account for around 25% of the population, while the general category makes up about 50–55%. Scheduled Castes constitute about 7–7.5% and Scheduled Tribes around 12–13%.
Among Scheduled Tribes, communities such as Bodos, Karbis, Mishings and Dimasas are influential, particularly in autonomous and Upper Assam regions.
Tea garden communities form a key voting bloc in several constituencies, while caste identities such as Kalita, Koch-Rajbongshi and Ahom influence outcomes at the local level.
The overlap of religion, tribe and caste continues to shape electoral strategies and results in Assam.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday cast his vote at a polling booth in Jawahar Nagar in the Vattiyoorkavu constituency.
The governor said he felt fortunate to vote for the first time in a Kerala Assembly election.
"Hoping that good people get elected. The government we want will come, and there is no doubt about that," he said.
He added that he was extremely happy to exercise his franchise.
"I request all the people in the state to come out in large numbers and perform their sacred duty," he said.
Religion remains a key determinant of voting patterns in Assam, with sharp regional variations.
Hindus account for about 61–62% of the population, while Muslims make up around 34–35%, with Christians at about 3–4%.
The Muslim population is concentrated in Lower and Central Assam, with districts such as Dhubri, Barpeta, Nagaon and Karimganj seen as electorally significant.
Hindus dominate Upper Assam and parts of central districts, while Christians are largely concentrated among tribal communities in hill and autonomous regions.
The distribution makes several constituencies politically polarised, with direct contests between communities shaping outcomes.
VIDEO | Kerala polls: Minister VN Vasavan casts vote at polling booth in Kottayam.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #KeralaPollsWithPTI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Qa41EJ9tQ0
Kerala recorded an impressive nearly 50 % voter turnout till 1 pm during the crucial Assembly elections on Thursday. Among the voters were a couple who came to the polling station straight from the wedding hall to exercise their franchise.
Joining them in the spirit of the day, another bride from northern Wayanad district also made sure to vote first before heading off to her own wedding ceremony.
Divyasree and Ashwant, who got married around 9 am, turned up to vote close to noon right from the wedding hall. Speaking to reporters, the couple said it was a joint decision to turn up to vote.
Adding a modern twist to the ongoing Assembly elections in Puducherry, the election commission deployed a robot in a booth to welcome voters with flower petals and a message on the importance of voting.
Welcome with swag 😎
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 9, 2026
A robot is welcoming electors at a polling station in #Puducherry!! 🤖
It’s a day of duty and responsibility , let’s go vote!! 🇮🇳#PuducherryElections2026 pic.twitter.com/cQbbQ2hjW1
Home Minister of Puducherry and BJP candidate from the Mannadipet Assembly constituency, A Namassivayam, cast his vote for the Assembly elections on Thursday.
"The visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and former BJP National President JP Nadda have created a massive wave of change across Puducherry. Voters are casting their ballots with great enthusiasm, which strengthens the party's confidence...," he told reporters exuding confidence that the NDA will return to power in the Union Territory.
VIDEO | Kerala polls: Congress MP and party strongman K Sudhakaran casts his vote in Kannur.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #KeralaPollsWithPTI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/WRdQEvX4dl
An FIR has been registered over the circulation of a video on social media, showing the poll process inside a polling station in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.
"An incident has come to the notice of the Karbi Anglong District Administration regarding circulation of a video on social media purportedly showing the election process inside a polling station. Taking serious cognizance of the matter, an FIR has been promptly registered under relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the Office of Chief Electoral Officer said, reported ANI.
"An inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the facts and identify those responsible. Appropriate legal action will be taken against any violations of election laws," the CEO said.
Seven people were arrested over election-related violence in parts of Assam as polling progressed on Thursday.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Akhilesh Kumar Singh, told PTI that violence took place in Tamulpur and Sivasagar on Wednesday night, hours before polling began for the assembly elections at 7 am.
"We got reports of a clash between two groups at Tamulpur last night. Police reached the spot immediately and tried to control the crowd. When they did not listen, a few rounds were fired in the air to disperse the mob," said Singh, adding that four people were arrested from the site.
In another incident, two to three members of a political party were attacked in Sivasagar, the IG said.
Akhil Gogoi, who is seeking re-election from the Sibsagar seat, alleged that BJP nominee Kushal Dowari was behind the incident.
A number of minor clashes have erupted at several polling stations in Sribhumi, Golaghat and Nagaon districts. At some polling booths in places like Patharkandi, Merapani and Raha, supporters of ruling and opposition parties clashed.
Even as heavy showers lashed parts of the state on Thursday, Assam witnessed large number of people turning out to vote for the crucial Assembly elections.
Assam recorded a voter turnout of 39 per cent in the early hours of voting.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cast his vote at a poll station in Guwahati. The BJP leader is seeking a third term from the Jalukbari constituency.
"I think people will give decisive mandate for development of Assam…I must not comment about campaigning till 5 PM, being a CM I shall not break the law and rules," Sarma told reporters after registering his vote.
Exercised my democratic right!
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 9, 2026
Casted my vote in the #AssamElections2026 for a strong, secure and prosperous Assam.
Have you voted yet? pic.twitter.com/uBUA9pcA3S
VIDEO | Assam Elections 2026: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag casts vote at Lal Singh Academy polling station, Kharguli, Guwahati.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #AssamPollsWithPTI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/5PsMuMhDYH
Puducherry recorded 37.06 % voter turnout in the early hours of polling on Thursday, till 11 am.
From the moment voting began at 7 am, there was a steady rise in voter turnout.
Rural constituencies, particularly, were vibrant, with elderly citizens and women making a beeline to their respective polling stations to exercise their franchise.
In a modern twist, the election department deployed a robot in a booth to welcome voters with flower petals and a message on the importance of voting.
A 62-year-old man collapsed and died as he was leaving the poling station in Thrissur's Vaniampara after casting his vote for the Assembly elections in Kerala on Thursday.
The deceased was identified as Vinodan, a native of Ramanchira near Vaniampara, PTI reported, citing police.
According to police, Vinodan had reached EKM UP School in Vaniampara in the morning to cast his vote.
After standing in the queue for nearly an hour, he exercised his franchise.
While coming out of the polling station, he suddenly collapsed at around 10.45 am. Though people nearby rushed to help seat him on a chair, his condition worsened, police said.
An ambulance soon reached the spot and shifted him to a government hospital, where he was declared dead. A case will be registered and investigation initiated into the incident, police said.
A poll official was found dead in Assam's Sonitpur district on Thursday amid assembly elections in the state, PTI reported citing officials.
Deben Horo (45) was deputed as the second polling officer in the Naduar constituency, they said.
According to officials, Horo was discovered unresponsive in his bed in the morning. He was rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The exact cause of his death has not been established. However, medical personnel suspect it may be linked to a pre-existing health condition.
CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam on Thursday cast his vote at a polling station in state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
"We will see the victory of LDF once more. LDF is heading towards a mammoth victory. All over the state, we are getting reports that voters are pouring in to vote for LDF...The unholy alliance between Congress and BJP in Kerala has to be defeated...My appeal to the people is to vote for LDF as it is the hope and it is the political force which will defend secularism, democracy, federalism and stand for the poor in the country..," he said.
Police resorted to lathi-charge outside a polling station in Thirukkanur to disperse Congress and BJP cadres following a clash between them during the Puducherry Assembly elections.
VIDEO | Puducherry Elections 2026: Police resort to lathi-charge outside a polling station in Thirukkanur to disperse Congress and BJP cadres following a clash between them.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#AssemblyPollsWithPTI… pic.twitter.com/j14r1crbu7
A 33 per cent voter turnout was witnessed in the first four hours of polling in Kerala Assembly elections on Thursday, officials said.
At 11 am, Ernakulam district led with the highest polling percentage with 35.86 per cent turnout, according to EC figures.
Constituency-wise, the highest polling percentage till 11 am was seen in Thripunithura with 40.6 per cent and lowest in Vengara with 33.28 per cent.
#WATCH | Keralam Elections 2026 | Actor Mammootty and his wife Sulfath Kutty cast their vote at a polling station in Kochi today. pic.twitter.com/1C8WxcsyC8
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
VIDEO | Kerala polls: ISRO chairman V Narayanan casts vote at Salvation Army Public School in Thiruvananthapuram.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #KeralaPollsWithPTI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/HbzmX02dEZ
After casting his vote for the Kerala Assembly polls on Thursday, CPIM MP John Brittas expressed confidence that the LDF will return to power for a third time.
"It is clear that the Left Front is going to come back to power. There is an overwhelming response from the people... People are enthusiastic to participate in this democratic process... Left front government did an unparalleled performance this time..," he said.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said that the high voter turnout in the early hours of polling in Kerala is an indicator of anti-incumbency sentiments in the state.
"I would say that if you are going to look at the turnout on the whole by the end of the day, it may even surpass previous level ever established. That's because people of Kerala want to vote for a change," the Congress MP said.
He also dismissed BJP as a "zero-seat party" and stated that the contest in Kerala was between UDF and LDF.
"...The BJP is not a factor here. This is a state where the BJP is a zero-seat party in the Assembly. To even mention them in the same breath is an excessive compliment. It is a fight between an incumbent LDF govt and a challenging UDF..," he said.
Assam witnessed brisk polling during the early hours on Thursday with a voter turnout of 38.92% till 11 am.
There have been no reports of any violence so far as polling progressed in 31,486 stations across 35 districts.
The weather remained hazy, followed by rains in different parts of the state in the morning hours, but people came out in large numbers to cast their votes.
Assam usually records a high voter turnout. It had recorded a voter turnout of 82.42% in 2021 and 84.72% in 2016.
Ministers Prasanta Phukan and Ranoj Pegu were among leaders who cast their votes early. State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also exercised franchise.
After casting his vote, Gogoi told media persons that he found a lot of encouragement and hope among people. “As people are fearlessly expressing their views, we are moving toward a new and empowered Assam,” he said.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family members offered prayers at the Kamakhya temple before heading to cast votes.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor cast his vote at Government Lower Primary School, Cotton Hill, in Vazhuthacaud.
#WATCH | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor casts his vote in Keralam Assembly elections, in Thiruvananthapuram pic.twitter.com/a4uqQNKCDT
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
"I am 97 and I have never missed voting, will vote next time too if I get the opportunity," says noted Malayalam short story writer T Padmanabhan after voting in Kannur.
VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: "I am 97 and I have never missed voting, will vote next time too if I get the opportunity," says noted Malayalam short story writer T Padmanabhan after voting in Kannur.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)… pic.twitter.com/P6lRjJt2wR
CPIM MP Elamaram Kareem says, "The mood of the people of Kerala is to bring back the existing LDF govt. The mood of the people is very positive. I am confident that we will come back to power. There is no anti-incumbency among the people."
#WATCH | Kozhikode, Keralam | CPI M MP Elamaram Kareem says, "The mood of the people of Keralam is to bring back the existing LDF govt. The mood of the people is very positive. I am confident that we will come back to power. There is no anti-incumbency among the people." pic.twitter.com/Cnw7ZRpCxM
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
After casting her vote in Guwahati, late singer Zubin Garg's wife, Garima Saikia, said, "I was discharged from the hospital only yesterday. Earlier, I used to come with Zubin. Today, I have come to cast my vote even though I am not well because it is our duty to vote."
VIDEO | Assam election: After casting her vote in Guwahati, late singer Zubin Garg's wife, Garima Saikia, said, "I was discharged from the hospital only yesterday. Earlier, I used to come with Zubin. Today, I have come to cast my vote even though I am not well because it is our… pic.twitter.com/YEYbcUPv3T
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
"Together with our allies we will win around 100 seats..," the BJP leader said after casting his vote for the crucial Assembly elections.
#WATCH | Dibrugarh | On Assam elections, Union Minister & BJP leader Sarbananda Sonowal says, "Together with our allies we will win around 100 seats..." pic.twitter.com/3ep16hM7q1
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
#WATCH | Puducherry Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan casts his vote in Assembly elections, at DMS office pic.twitter.com/ZDMHs6Zvt0
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Senior Congress leader AK Antony on Thursday his vote at the Govt GHS in Thiruvananthapuram. He was accompanied by party leader MM Hassan.
"Election is a clear verdict of the people. People want to send off this present LDF Govt. UDF will have a clean sweep in Kerala. After the counting, UDF will form the Govt and LDF will sit in the Opposition. They will start discussing what went wrong for this miserable defeat...BJP is not a Kerala party; Kerala people don't like BJP...According to me, Pinarayi Govt's time is over. Hereafter, Pinarayi Govt will continue as a caretaker Govt..," the leader told reporters.
#WATCH | Senior Congress leader AK Antony says, "Election is a clear verdict of the people. People want to send off this present LDF Govt. UDF will have a clean sweep in Kerala. After the counting, UDF will form the Govt and LDF will sit in the Opposition. They will start… https://t.co/Dvj8BGajRN pic.twitter.com/DNSClMIHlk
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Assam CM and candidate from Jalukbari, Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "It is polling day today in Assam. I had the fortune to have a darshan of Maa Kamakhya on the polling day. May Assam flourish and people of the state advance, I prayed this to Maa..."
#WATCH | Assam CM and candidate from Jalukbari, Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "It is polling day today in Assam. I had the fortune to have a darshan of Maa Kamakhya on the polling day. May Assam flourish and people of the state advance, I prayed this to Maa..." https://t.co/6SuSBiNYFz pic.twitter.com/p0FaGtJHnc
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi casts vote at a polling booth set up at DCB Girls High School, Jorhat. He says, "It is an important day for Assam today. Personally, I am fortunate that today my mother has also come here to vote. She could not vote during Lok Sabha elections due to health issues. She has blessed me today."
VIDEO | Assam Elections 2026: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi casts vote at a polling booth set up at DCB Girls High School, Jorhat. He says, "It is an important day for Assam today. Personally, I am fortunate that today my mother has also come here to vote. She could not vote during… pic.twitter.com/4R2HpGmnPE
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Thursday urged voters in the state to cast their votes early in the morning, in view of the hot weather.
The minister, who is contesting from the Aranmula constituency, registered her vote at the Anappara Government School in Pathanamthitta.
VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: Minister Veena George urges voters to arrive early and avoid hot weather.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #KeralaPollsWithPTI pic.twitter.com/bmXUEWBUmp
BJP State Vice President & Vattiyoorkavu constituency candidate R Sreelekha, says, "I am confident that BJP will make a landmark victory in Keralam this time. This is the right time. The anti-incumbency is very high. People want NDA to come. Everywhere I go, I get a feeling that people are voting for NDA..."
Congress candidate from Haripad constituency, Ramesh Chennithala, says, "We are very confident that we are winning on more than 100 seats in the Assembly elections and forming an efficient government in Kerala.
The people are tired of this current govt. Their 10-year rule was a misrule, and the Sabarimala issue is a major one. Narendra Modi has no relevance in Kerala."
Assam’s Assembly elections, marked by one-sided outcomes in the recent years, are expected to be more competitive this time as the BJP-led NDA seeks a third straight term.
The 126-seat state has historically seen wide gaps between the top two parties, with the closest margin in recent decades being a 25-seat difference in 1996.
Observers say the role of undecided or “floating” voters could be crucial in determining whether the election turns into a closely fought contest.
The BJP is banking on welfare schemes such as the Orunodoi cash transfer programme, which covers around 40 lakh beneficiaries, along with its record on infrastructure and governance.
The Congress-led opposition alliance, comprising six parties, has focused on issues including unemployment, price rise and demands for justice in high-profile cases, while attempting to build a broader anti-incumbency narrative.
Analysts say the NDA could face challenges from anti-incumbency and allegations of corruption, while the Congress is relying on state president Gaurav Gogoi’s image and support in key regions.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition leader VD Satheesan and BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekar cast their vote early in the morning on Wednesday as polling progressed across over 30,000 polling stations in the state.
Kerala CM exuded confidence of a third term for the CPIM-led government with a clear majority.
Congress leader VD Satheesan also expressed confidence, saying the UDF will return to power with over 100 seats.
Meanwhile, BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekar said the saffron party will turn out to be a significant player in the election and that the LDF or UDF will not get a clear majority.
Puducherry CM and All India NR Congress (AINRC) candidate from Mangalam and Thattanchavady assembly constituency, N Rangaswamy, leaves on his bike after casting his vote for the Puducherry Assembly Elections.
#WATCH | Puducherry CM and All India NR Congress (AINRC) candidate from Mangalam and Thattanchavady assembly constituency, N Rangaswamy, leaves on his bike after casting his vote for the Puducherry Assembly Elections. pic.twitter.com/6X7TJFanED
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Kerala Minister and CPIM candidate P Rajeev casts his vote.
#WATCH | Thirupunithara: Keralam Minister & CPI-M candidate from Kalamassery Assembly Constituency, P. Rajeev casts his vote at a polling station in Thirupunithara. pic.twitter.com/oouv7Dakag
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Senior Congress leader and Vattiyoorkavu constituency candidate, K Muraleedharan cast his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP School in Thiruvananthapuram.
"There is a queue of people here which indicates that people want change. I have been voting at this booth since 1979, and this is the first time I have had to wait for 20-25 mins to cast my vote. We aim to win 100 seats," he told reporters.
#WATCH | Senior Congress leader and Vattiyoorkavu constituency candidate, K Muraleedharan casts his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP School in Keralam elections, in Thiruvananthapuram pic.twitter.com/6aOXRCQOrf
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
A heated argument erupted at polling booth No. 60 at Government School, Kachani, in the Vattiyoorkavu constituency in Thiruvananthapuram after it emerged that a vote had allegedly been cast in the name of a voter named Saji.
Polling officials detected the suspected impersonation when Saji arrived at the booth around 8.30 am and was informed that his vote had already been recorded. It is alleged that another person had obtained his voter slip from the Booth Level Officer (BLO) earlier in the morning and cast the ballot.
Saji, along with local political activists, demanded that CCTV footage be examined to identify the impersonator. Police later reached the spot and advised him to file a formal complaint.
The presiding officer said the bogus vote would be cancelled and that Saji would be permitted to cast a "tendered vote" using a ballot paper, in accordance with election rules.
Vattiyoorkavu is witnessing a tight contest with Congress veteran K Muraleedharan facing LDF's V K Prasanth. BJP candidate and former DGP Sreelekha is also hoping to make a mark.
Highest - Ernakulam district - 17.80%
Lowest - Kasaragod district - 15.08%
Caste remains an underlying factor in Kerala’s elections, shaping candidate selection and influencing voting patterns despite the state’s class-driven political narrative.
Among major communities, Ezhavas — the largest Other Backward Class group — account for roughly 25-26% of the population and are seen as a key electoral bloc, particularly in central and southern Kerala.
Estimates suggest Ezhava-Thiyya voters have a significant presence, ranging from 40% to 70%, in more than 50 assembly constituencies. Their representation across parties in the six southern districts, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki, is expected to be crucial.
The Nair community, estimated at around 12–15%, remains influential, especially in southern districts, while Scheduled Castes account for about 9–10% and Scheduled Tribes around 1–1.5%, with both groups concentrated in specific constituencies.
Parties factor in these social equations while selecting candidates and allocating seats, reflecting what observers describe as an “unwritten code” in Kerala politics.
Candidates from dominant communities such as Nair, Ezhava and other locally influential groups are often fielded based on constituency demographics, even as overt caste appeals remain limited.
Political parties also engage with organised caste bodies such as the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, which can influence voter sentiment.
Caste considerations extend beyond elections to governance, including cabinet formation and distribution of political power.
While caste-based mobilisation is less visible than in many other states, these underlying social dynamics continue to shape electoral strategies and outcomes in Kerala.
As Kerala votes to elect its new government, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of the state to vote for one that listens, cares and delivers.
In a post on X, Kharge said Kerala's strength has been its unity in diversity and asked them not to let that strength be weakened through division or distraction.
"My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam, You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands.
"Over the past years, you have faced rising unemployment, financial distress, and growing uncertainty. Farmers, plantation workers, youth, and small business owners have all asked a simple question: 'Where is the relief? Where is the opportunity?'" Kharge said.
My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam,
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 9, 2026
You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands.
Over the past years, you have…
PM Narendra Modi has specially urged Assam’s youth and women voters to participate in the polling “enthusiastically and make this election a celebration of democracy and public duty”.
As polling begins for the Assam Assembly elections 2026, I appeal to the people of Assam to exercise their franchise in large numbers. I hope that the state’s youth and women voters participate enthusiastically and make this election a celebration of democracy and public duty.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026
#WATCH | Keralam Elections 2026 | Union Minister & NDA candidate from Kanjirappally, George Kurian casts his vote at Kottayam Kanakkary Government Higher Secondary School Polling Station 172. pic.twitter.com/TJJvfSEaYb
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: Actor Mohanlal stands in line to cast his vote at Government LP School, Mudavanmugal, in Thiruvananthapuram.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#AssemblyPollsWithPTI#KeralaPollsWithPTI pic.twitter.com/GxF6PjFJQD
In a striking display of youth participation in democracy, 27-year-old Kunki Choudhary, the youngest candidate in Assam, was seen standing in line to cast her vote at the Sarumotoria LP School polling station in Guwahati. Kunki is a candidate of Assam Jatiya Parishad from the Central Guwahati constituency.
VIDEO | Assam Elections 2026: Assam's youngest candidate Kunki Choudhary, aged 27, standing in queue to cast her vote at Sarumotoria LP School polling station, Guwahati. Kunki is a candidate of Assam Jatiya Parishad from the Central Guwahati constituency.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI… pic.twitter.com/snmzu5IQz4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
"This is an important election, I am confident people will vote for a better future," says Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar
VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: "This is an important election, I am confident people will vote for a better future," says Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X).
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#AssemblyPollsWithPTI… pic.twitter.com/QYr0l9JMaP
Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan arrives to cast vote at Kesari Arts and Science College, Paravur.
VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan arrives to cast vote at Kesari Arts and Science College, Paravur.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI#KeralaPollsWithPTI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/IPH6Duu4RL
In Puducherry, the contest involves the ruling NDA, comprising the NR Congress and the BJP, and the Congress-DMK alliance, with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) aiming to turn the election into a three-cornered fight.
A total of 294 candidates are in the fray.
Within the NDA, the NR Congress is contesting 16 constituencies and the BJP 10, while allies AIADMK and LJK are contesting two seats each.
In the opposition INDIA bloc, the Congress is contesting 16 seats, the DMK 13 and the VCK one. However, Congress candidates are also contesting in six seats allotted to the DMK, defying the party’s directive to withdraw.
The TVK has fielded candidates in 28 of the 30 constituencies and is backing the Neyyam Makkal Kazhagam in the remaining two.
Around 10.14 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots to elect the 30-member Assembly, including 5.39 lakh women, 4.74 lakh men and 157 third gender voters.
The electorate includes 24,156 first-time voters aged 18-19 and 6,034 voters aged 85 and above.
Elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly will begin at 7 am, with most constituencies witnessing a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA and an opposition alliance led by the Congress.
The BJP is seeking a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress is aiming to regain the state after being ousted in 2016.
A total of 722 candidates are in the fray, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi and AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
Polling will be held from 7 am to 5 pm across 31,490 polling stations in 35 districts.
Around 2.50 crore voters, including 1.25 crore women and 318 from the third gender, are eligible to vote.
The Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. Among allies, the AIUDF is contesting 30 seats, while NDA partners AGP and BPF are contesting 26 and 11 seats, respectively.
In the opposition bloc, Raijor Dal is contesting 13 seats, AJP 10, CPI(M) three and APHLC two, while other parties include AAP (18), UPPL (18), TMC (22) and JMM (16), along with 258 Independents.
Key contests include Jalukbari, where Sarma is seeking a sixth consecutive term, and Jorhat, where Gaurav Gogoi is making his Assembly debut.
Debabrata Saikia is seeking to retain Nazira, while Akhil Gogoi is in a three-cornered contest in Sibsagar.
Badruddin Ajmal is contesting from Binnakandi, while Lurinjyoti Gogoi is in the fray from Khowang.
The electorate includes 6.42 lakh first-time voters, 2.50 lakh voters aged 80 and above, including 2,466 centenarians, and 2.05 lakh persons with disabilities.
Kerala, which is witnessing a three-cornered contest between the incumbent CPI(M)-led LDF, the Congress-led UDF and the BJP-led NDA, will decide the fate of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government, which is seeking a hattrick of wins after breaking the state’s long-standing anti-incumbency trend in 2021.
For the LDF, the stakes are high. A string of setbacks, from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to by-elections and losses in the December local body polls, has weakened its position, amid signs of governance fatigue and local-level grievances. Among the key names in fray for the LDF , CM Vijayan is contesting from Dharmadam, along with K.K. Shailaja (Peravoor), Veena George (Aranmula) and V. Sivankutty (Nemom).
The UDF is banking on a seat-by-seat swing driven by dissatisfaction and consolidation of its support base, and sees momentum shifting in its favour towards the end of the campaign. For the UDF, V.D. Satheesan is contesting from Paravur, with Ramesh Chennithala (Haripad), Chandy Oommen (Puthuppally) and Sunny Joseph (Peravoor) among key candidates.
The BJP, meanwhile, is aiming to expand its footprint. For the party, the focus is less on forming a government and more on increasing its relevance in the state.
State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has expressed confidence of opening the party’s account again after its 2016 win in Nemom, citing its performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and its control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. For the BJP, Rajeev is contesting from Nemom and V. Muraleedharan from Kazhakootam.
According to the Election Commission, 2.71 crore voters — including 1.32 crore men, 1.39 crore women and 273 transgender persons, as well as over 2.42 lakh overseas voters — are eligible to vote in the election involving 883 candidates.
Candidates have also stepped up outreach to younger voters through influencers and podcasts, reflecting changing campaign strategies in the state.
