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Assam Election Latest News: Polling Underway in Assam, Kerala & Puducherry as NDA and INDIA Bloc Compete for Power

Massive voter turnout begins across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry as high-stakes electoral battles unfold between major alliances.

By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: April 9, 2026 08:36:28 IST

Assam Election Latest News: Polling started at 7 am with strict security measures to ensure fair elections. Authorities have introduced webcasting and special voter-friendly facilities to make the process smooth and transparent. Voting will continue till 6 pm. These elections are witnessing intense competition among major alliances and regional parties, making them politically significant.

Assam Assembly Election 2026 NDA vs Congress Alliance

In Assam, the main contest is between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. The NDA includes BJP, AGP, and other regional partners, while the opposition bloc consists of Congress, AIUDF, and Raijor Dal.

Key Candidates and Political Battle in Assam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is aiming for a third consecutive term, while Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is trying to bring his party back to power. A total of 722 candidates are contesting for 126 seats, with over 2.5 crore voters casting votes across 31,490 polling stations.

Major Issues in Assam Election Campaign

The election campaign has focused on identity politics and governance. The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has become controversial, with opposition parties alleging voter exclusion. Illegal infiltration is another major issue. The BJP has raised concerns about undocumented migrants, while the opposition has accused the ruling party of polarisation. A controversy involving allegations against Sarma’s wife over a “fake passport” issue has also added to the political tension.

Key Seats to Watch in Assam

  • Jalukbari where Sarma is seeking his sixth straight win.
  • Jorhat where Gaurav Gogoi is making his Assembly debut.
  • Other parties like AIUDF, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad are also contesting, leading to multi-cornered fights in several constituencies.

Assam Election 2021 Results Overview

In the last Assembly election, the NDA won 76 seats, while the Congress-led alliance secured around 49 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 60 seats.

Kerala Assembly Election 2026 LDF vs UDF Direct Fight

Kerala is witnessing a traditional two-front battle between the ruling LDF and the Congress-led UDF. The BJP remains a smaller player but is trying to expand its presence. A total of 883 candidates are contesting for 140 seats, with 2.71 crore voters participating in the election.

Key Leaders and Candidates in Kerala

  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is contesting from Dharmadam
  • Opposition leader VD Satheesan is defending Paravur
  • Rajeev Chandrasekhar is contesting from Nemom
  • KK Shailaja is contesting from Peravoor
  • Chandy Oommen is representing Puthuppally

Key Issues in Kerala Election

The LDF is highlighting its welfare schemes and governance record. Meanwhile, the UDF is raising concerns about unemployment, inflation, and alleged financial mismanagement.

Polling Arrangements and Voter Facilities in Kerala

Polling is taking place at 30,495 booths with 1.46 lakh officials and 76,000 security personnel deployed. Facilities like water and fans have been arranged due to the summer heat.

Kerala Voting Pattern and 2021 Results

Kerala usually votes out the ruling party, but this trend changed in 2021 when the LDF returned to power with 97 seats. The UDF secured 41 seats.

Puducherry Assembly Election 2026 NDA vs INDIA Bloc

In Puducherry, the main contest is between the NDA and the INDIA bloc. The NDA includes AINRC and BJP, while the INDIA bloc consists of Congress, DMK, and VCK.

Key Candidates and Alliances in Puducherry

Chief Minister N Rangasamy is contesting from Thattanchavady and Mangalam as he seeks to retain power.

Actor Vijay’s party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has also entered the race, aiming to emerge as a third force.

Security Measures and Special Polling Arrangements

Around 9.5 lakh voters will decide the fate of 294 candidates across 30 seats. Over 200 polling stations have been marked sensitive, and drones are being used to monitor illegal activities.

Special arrangements include women-run polling booths and assistance for elderly and differently-abled voters.

Puducherry 2021 Election Results

In the last election, the NDA secured 16 seats, while the Congress DMK alliance won 8 seats.

By Elections 2026 Key Seats Across States

Bypolls are also being held in five Assembly constituencies

  • Ponda in Goa
  • Bagalkot and Davanagere South in Karnataka
  • Koridang in Nagaland
  • Dharmanagar in Tripura

These by elections were conducted due to the deaths of sitting MLAs.

Election 2026 Over 3 Crore Voters to Decide Results

More than three crore voters are participating in these elections, making them crucial for both regional and national politics. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

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