Assembly Elections 2026 Updates: Crores of voters exercised their franchise today as polling concluded for the high-stakes Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
As of 3:00 PM, the Election Commission of India (ECI) reported robust participation across all regions, with Assam leading the turnout figures.
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Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are scheduled for April 9, 2026, with results declared on May 4, 2026, marking a significant electoral event shaping regional governance and offering political signals.
State-Wise Voter Turnout (Till 5:00 PM)
The democratic exercise saw significant momentum throughout the day, supported by pleasant weather and stringent security measures.
Assam: Polling concluded with a strong turnout of 84.42% across all 126 constituencies, surpassing the 82.04% recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections. Dalgaon registered the highest turnout in the state at 94.57%, while Amri recorded the lowest at 70.40%.
Puducherry: The Union Territory recorded a high voter turnout of 86.92% across its 30 Assembly seats, emerging as the highest among the three regions as of poll close.
Kerala: Voter participation stood at 75.01% across all 140 Assembly constituencies as polling progressed, reflecting a strong finish in the state.
LIVE BLOG Starts Here---
Apr 09, 2026, 6:54 PM IST
Assam Polling Ends With 84.42% Turnout
Polling in Assam concluded at 5 pm on Thursday with an estimated voter turnout of 84.42 per cent across all 126 assembly constituencies, surpassing the 82.04 per cent recorded in the 2021 elections. Dalgaon posted the highest turnout at 94.57 per cent, while Amri saw the lowest at 70.40 per cent, as the BJP-led NDA seeks a third straight term against a Congress-led opposition challenge.
Apr 09, 2026, 6:36 PM IST
Adhir Targets Humayun Kabir Over Campaign Spend
In Murshidabad, Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised questions over rival leader Humayun Kabir’s campaign style, asking how he was affording helicopter use and alleging that voters would take note of who was “misleading the people.”
#WATCH | Murshidabad, West Bengal: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress candidate from the Berhampore Assembly constituency, said, "These days, all sorts of news keep coming up on social media. Who is Humayun Kabir working for? Where did he get so much money from that he's using a… pic.twitter.com/JIFtscyeG1
Electronic Voting Machines were sealed in Dibrugarh after polling concluded, marking the completion of the voting process in the constituency as election officials began post-poll procedures.
As of 5 pm, Puducherry recorded the highest approximate voter turnout at 86.92 per cent, followed closely by Assam at 84.42 per cent. Keralam saw a comparatively lower turnout at 75.01 per cent as polling progressed in the state assembly elections.
State Assembly Elections | Approximate voter turnout as of 5 pm
Till 4.30 pm, South Salmara Mankachar recorded the highest voter turnout at 84.24 per cent, while Kamrup (Metro) registered the lowest turnout at 65.30 per cent, reflecting a sharp contrast in polling participation across Assam.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:00 PM IST
V Vaithilingam Votes, Confident of Win
Puducherry Congress State President and Thattanchavady Assembly candidate V Vaithilingam cast his vote and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects. “We are confident that we will form the government on 4 May,” he said after voting.
Apr 09, 2026, 4:40 PM IST
Kerala
Mobile pouch at polling stations in Kerala.
Apr 09, 2026, 4:33 PM IST
On DMK MP A. Raja's statement that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will act as a “barrier” to prevent the BJP’s entry into Tamil Nadu, BJP State vice president Khushbu Sundar says, "So, I mean now he is going to resign as a chief minister and become the Barrier, okay great I would like to see how like if it's going to be the same what we saw him coming out of the assembly with his stone shirt if it's going to Be the same picture. I'm looking forward to it...''
Apr 09, 2026, 4:16 PM IST
Approximate Voter Turnout till 3 PM in Assembly Elections:
Apr 09, 2026, 4:14 PM IST
Kerala
“In any election, voters are King, they will decide who to vote for; people know and understand about FCRA, they will keep it in mind while voting,” says Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III after casting vote in Aranmula.
Apr 09, 2026, 4:12 PM IST
“Better voting percentage seen so far this election compared to past elections, we hope the turnout will cross 80 per cent,” says Thiruvananthapuram Collector Anu Kumari from the district control room.
Apr 09, 2026, 4:05 PM IST
From a polling station in Dhubri near the Indo - Bangla border to an 18-year-old stepping in to cast her first vote, these moments capture the true spirit of participation.
Apr 09, 2026, 4:00 PM IST
Kerala
Actors Dileep and Kavya Madhavan cast vote at polling booth in Aluva.
Members of tribal communities in Nilambur exercise their voting right at Nedumkayam Amenity Centre.
VIDEO | Kerala polls: Members of tribal communities in Nilambur exercise their voting right at Nedumkayam Amenity Centre.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI#KeralaPollsWithPTI
BJP leaders Smriti Irani and Biplab Deb Campaign for RG Kar victim’s mother Ratna Debnath as she is filing her nomination from Panihati.
VIDEO | West Bengal Polls: BJP leaders Smriti Irani and Biplab Deb accompany party candidate and RG Kar victim’s mother Ratna Debnath for filing her nomination from Panihati.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI#WestBengalPollsWithPTI
Nila, the welcome bot, greets the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) delegates as they witness Puducherry's vibrant electoral process.
Apr 09, 2026, 3:33 PM IST
Karnataka
At least 43.75 per cent of voters in Karnataka's Bagalkot, where polling for a by-election is underway, exercised their franchise by 1 pm on Thursday.
Apr 09, 2026, 3:32 PM IST
A graph of voting percentage.
Apr 09, 2026, 3:30 PM IST
Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi Founder & candidate from Kamaraj Nagar Constituency, Jose Charles Martin, along with his wife, casts a vote for the Puducherry Assembly Elections.
#WATCH | Puducherry: Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi Founder & candidate from Kamaraj Nagar Constituency, Jose Charles Martin, along with his wife, casts a vote for the Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026, at a polling station in Reddiarpalayam
Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in Assam, Hagrama Mohilary, says, "I cast my vote...I interacted with people from various communities and they are all with us (NDA)..."
Apr 09, 2026, 3:03 PM IST
Kerala polls: Actor Surabhi Lakshmi casts vote at polling booth in Kozhikode.
VIDEO | Kerala polls: Actor Surabhi Lakshmi casts vote at polling booth in Kozhikode.
Singer Papon, after casting his vote at a polling booth in Guwahati, said, “I don’t miss voting in elections, but it has become difficult now because ticket prices have become so high. I have to do a lot of travelling. It’s not possible to bring the family to vote; it’s not possible for everyone. Lots of people are missing out on voting because of high ticket prices. It’s nice to meet people after years during voting. Something like biometric or fingerprint scanning, some kind of remote voting system in India, would be helpful, as many people are missing out on voting. So it would be good if something like this is introduced in India.”
VIDEO | Assam Election: Singer Papon, after casting his vote at a polling booth in Guwahati, said, “I don’t miss voting in elections, but it has become difficult now because ticket prices have become so high. I have to do a lot of travelling. It’s not possible to bring the family… pic.twitter.com/W98Ea6D0K6
Assam polls: AJP candidate Rajen Gohain casts his vote in Nagaon.
Apr 09, 2026, 2:54 PM IST
Keralam Assembly Election:
From wedding hall to polling booth: Couple turns up to vote after marriage in Kerala.
A newly-wed couple in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district made a special stop at the polling station on Thursday, heading straight from their wedding to cast their votes.
Apr 09, 2026, 2:53 PM IST
Robot Nila in Polling Station:
Election Commission of India posts, "Welcome with swag. A robot is welcoming electors at a polling station in #Puducherry!! It’s a day of duty and responsibility , let’s go vote!!."
Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) posts, "Welcome with swag. A robot is welcoming electors at a polling station in #Puducherry!! It’s a day of duty and responsibility , let’s go vote!!." pic.twitter.com/TuwLT1guA4
Total Voter Turnout Till 1 PM- Assam : 59.63% |
Total Voter Turnout Till 1 PM - Keralam : 49.70% |
Total Voter Turnout Till 1 PM - Puducherry: 56.83% |
READ MORE
Apr 09, 2026, 5:03 am IST
Polling Today:
Polling In Assam, Kerala And Puducherry Today. Polling will begin at 7 am.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:06 am IST
Assam, Kerala And Puducherry Seat Share
The elections will cover 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:08 am IST
Assam Poll Preparedness:
More than 16,000 personnel have been deployed for the Assam Assembly elections to ensure smooth and secure polling. District Commissioner of Cachar, Aayush Garg, stated that all necessary logistical arrangements have been put in place. He added that polling teams are expected to reach their assigned stations by the evening, with strict monitoring to ensure their safe arrival.
On the security front, nearly 4,000 police personnel have been stationed across 1,700 polling booths. In addition, two companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been kept on standby to handle any emergency situation.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:21 am IST
Massive Polling Staff Deployment in Kerala
Kerala has mobilised nearly 1.46 lakh trained polling personnel to conduct the elections smoothly. Officials have confirmed that arrangements are complete across all polling stations. Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar stated that the entire workforce has undergone proper training ahead of polling day.
Comprehensive security arrangements and monitoring mechanisms have also been put in place. Authorities added that all guidelines and initiatives issued by the Election Commission are being fully implemented across the state.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:26 am IST
Glimpse of 2021 Election Result:
Assam (2021 Results)
Total Seats: 126
Majority Mark: 64
Party-wise Results:
BJP: 60
AGP: 9
UPPL: 6
NDA Total: 75 (formed government)
Congress: 29
AIUDF: 16
Others: 6
Outcome: NDA retained power with a comfortable majority.
Kerala (2021 Results)
Total Seats: 140
Majority Mark: 71
Alliance-wise Results:
CPI(M): 62
CPI: 17
LDF Total: 99 (formed government)
Congress: 21
IUML: 15
UDF Total: 41
NDA (BJP): 0
Others: 0
Outcome: LDF, led by CPI(M), returned to power with a historic consecutive win.
Puducherry (2021 Results)
Total Seats: 30 (elected)
Majority Mark: 16
Party-wise Results:
BJP: 6
AINRC: 10
NDA Total: 16 (formed government with support)
Congress: 2
DMK: 6
UPA Total: 8
Others/Independents: 6
Outcome: NDA formed the government, led by AINRC with BJP support.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:29 am IST
Over 5.3 Crore Voters Set to Decide Three Crucial Electoral Battles
More than 5.3 crore eligible voters will participate in the elections across two states and one union territory. Kerala has the largest share with over 2.7 crore voters, followed by Assam with nearly 2.5 crore, and Puducherry with more than 10 lakh electors.
The voter base includes a large number of women, young voters, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Notably, first-time voters are also expected to have a significant impact on the results of these closely contested elections.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:32 am IST
Assam- High-Stakes Contest Between BJP and Congress
Voting is underway across all 126 assembly constituencies in Assam in a crucial electoral battle between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. The BJP is aiming for a third straight term in office, while the Congress is striving to regain power after losing the state in 2016.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:36 am IST
Puducherry election 2026:
The Puducherry election is witnessing a contest between the NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance, with actor Vijay’s party also entering the fray and attempting to turn it into a three-cornered fight. Officials have stated that the Model Code of Conduct is being strictly enforced. Measures such as drone surveillance, flying squads, and a dedicated helpline are being used to monitor and address any violations.
Apr 09, 2026, 5:39 am IST
Jagiroad, Assam- Poll Preparations Underway
Preparations underway for Mock poll for the Assam Assembly Polls. Visuals from polling Station No. 178 of Jagiroad Assembly Constituency, where the mock poll will begin.
#WATCH | Jagiroad, Assam: Preparations underway for Mock poll for the Assam Assembly Polls. Visuals from polling Station No. 178 of Jagiroad Assembly Constituency, where the mock poll will begin. pic.twitter.com/nU8Qvzjpfj
Mock polling underway at polling station no. 9 at Girls High School at Thrippunithura. Polling will begin at 7 am.
#WATCH | Keralam: Mock polling underway at polling station no. 9 at Girls High School at Thrippunithura. Polling will begin at 7 am. pic.twitter.com/3NneE9MCE8
From Uloor Kottaram Polling Booth 215, Presiding Officer Midhun H says, “All arrangements have been made as per the Election Commission guidelines. The polling booth has been decorated, which is part of a new initiative. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the booth, and a special arrangement has been made to collect voters’ phones in designated bags under the supervision of security officers. Except for the presiding officer, no one is permitted to carry mobile phones into the polling station. The mock polling was conducted smoothly, and the VVPAT is functioning properly. All candidate agents have been briefed clearly. Drinking water and other basic facilities have also been arranged. We are now waiting for voters to arrive.”
#WATCH | Keralam Assembly Election | From Uloor Kottaram Polling Booth 215, Presiding Officer Midhun H says, “All arrangements have been made as per the Election Commission guidelines. The polling booth has been decorated, which is part of a new initiative. Mobile phones are not… pic.twitter.com/qfqZPDcuWG
Polling preperations are underway at Government Higher Secondary School, Chala in Kannur. People arrive at the polling station to cast their votes for the state assembly elections.
#WATCH | Keralam: Polling preperations are underway at Government Higher Secondary School, Chala in Kannur. People arrive at the polling station to cast their votes for the state assembly elections.
Thiruvananthapuram: Baiju, Sector Officer & Sector Magistrate, booth 112 says, "Today all preparations have been done satisfactorily. Mock poll has been completed. We can start the polling at 7 am. There is no problem and the machines have all been set. Candidates' agents are cooperating...We are ready for actual polling..."
#WATCH | Keralam Assembly Election | Thiruvananthapuram: Baiju, Sector Officer & Sector Magistrate, booth 112 says, "Today all preparations have been done satisfactorily. Mock poll has been completed. We can start the polling at 7 am. There is no problem and the machines have all… pic.twitter.com/hH9jXUOzlL
Voting for State Assembly Elections in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry begins. Today’s polling covers all 126 seats in Assam, all 140 in Keralam and all 30 in Puducherry.
Counting of votes to take place on May 4.
Apr 09, 2026, 7:09 am IST
Voting for Assembly by-elections to Davangere South and Bagalkot constituencies in Karnataka, Koridang constituency in Nagaland and Dharmanagar constituency in Tripura also begins.
Apr 09, 2026, 7:09 am IST
Glimpse Of Polling From Assam:
Long queues formed outside polling stations 115 and 116 as voters await their turn to cast a vote.
#WATCH | Assam Elections 2026 | Long queues formed outside polling stations 115 and 116 as voters await their turn to cast a vote.
Congress leader VD Satheesan arrives at the polling station, Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam to cast his vote.
#WATCH | Keralam: Congress leader VD Satheesan arrives at the polling station, Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam to cast his vote. pic.twitter.com/kpwBYkws6l
I call upon the people of Kerala to ensure massive participation in voting in the 2026 Assembly elections.
2026 ലെ നിയമസഭാ തെരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പിൽ വോട്ട് ചെയ്യുന്നതിൽ വൻ പങ്കാളിത്തം ഉറപ്പാക്കാൻ കേരളത്തിലെ ജനങ്ങളോട് ആഹ്വാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു. റെക്കോർഡ് പങ്കാളിത്തം കേരളത്തിന്റെ ജനാധിപത്യ മനോഭാവത്തിന് ഊർജ്ജം പകരും. പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് സംസ്ഥാനത്തിലെ യുവജനങ്ങളും സ്ത്രീകളും വോട്ട് രേഖപ്പെടുത്താൻ മുന്നോട്ട്…
As the Puducherry Assembly elections commence, I urge every voter to come out and participate in record numbers. I especially appeal to our youth and to women voters to strengthen the process of democracy. Every vote matters in shaping the future of Puducherry.
As the Puducherry Assembly elections commence, I urge every voter to come out and participate in record numbers. I especially appeal to our youth and to women voters to strengthen the process of democracy. Every vote matters in shaping the future of Puducherry.
As polling begins for the Assam Assembly elections 2026, I appeal to the people of Assam to exercise their franchise in large numbers.
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.
"In the context of the commencement of the voting process for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections, I have appealed to the people of Assam to come out in large numbers to exercise their voting rights. I hope that the young men and women and female voters of the state will enthusiastically participate and transform this election into a festival of democracy and civic duty."
Apr 09, 2026, 7:15 am IST
Keralam Elections 2026:
Minister and LDF candidate from Nemom, V Sivankutty, and actor Mohanlal arrive at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram to cast a vote.
#WATCH | Keralam Elections 2026 | Minister and LDF candidate from Nemom, V Sivankutty, and actor Mohanlal arrive at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram to cast a vote. pic.twitter.com/GfO392q3LF
Voters show their inked finger after exercising their franchise at a polling station in Jalukbari assembly constituency.
#WATCH | Assam Elections 2026 | Voters show their inked finger after exercising their franchise at a polling station in Jalukbari assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/Wq6WBrBftg
Keralam LoP and Congress candidate from Paravur Assembly Constituency, VD Satheesan, casts his vote at the polling station in Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam.
#WATCH | Keralam LoP and Congress candidate from Paravur Assembly Constituency, VD Satheesan, casts his vote at the polling station in Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam. pic.twitter.com/70AeFE7kSJ
VD Satheesan says, "My request to all the people of Kerala is that they have to participate in this democratic process. This is their fundamental right and they have to exercise their right. We will come back with more than 100 seats. UDF camp is very hopeful that we will get a wonderful margin, bigger than the 2001 margin..."
#WATCH | VD Satheesan says, "My request to all the people of Kerala is that they have to participate in this democratic process. This is their fundamental right and they have to exercise their right. We will come back with more than 100 seats. UDF camp is very hopeful that we… https://t.co/Kw5oNKsRNNpic.twitter.com/tiuseabAlY
Union Minister Suressh Gopi says, "This is a very important day for Keralam... The BJP has done solidly well. They have reached the last grain of the democratic campaign engineering. All those areas they have reached. The last bit they have touched. We can only wait for results. You know very well what the change is before and after..."
#WATCH | Keralam Assembly Elections 2026 | Union Minister Suressh Gopi says, "This is a very important day for Keralam... The BJP has done solidly well. They have reached the last grain of the democratic campaign engineering. All those areas they have reached. The last bit they… https://t.co/SqwbPKTzEjpic.twitter.com/Pu9cxtY5KL
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