Voting Concludes in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry for 2026 Assembly Elections

The voting for the 2026 assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry has concluded, showcasing impressive voter turnout figures. Key political figures, including Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, participated in the electoral process, with the counting of votes set for May 4. The political landscape in Kerala is particularly competitive, as the ruling LDF seeks to retain power against the UDF's challenge. This article delves into the turnout statistics and the candidates involved, providing a comprehensive overview of the elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 18:47 IST

Voting Wraps Up in Key States

The voting process for the 2026 assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry concluded on Thursday, with a significant increase in voter turnout reported by the evening. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. According to data released by the Election Commission of India, by 5 PM, Assam recorded a turnout of 84.42%, Kerala saw 75.01%, and Puducherry achieved 86.92%. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cast his vote in his constituency of Jalukbari, where he is contesting as the candidate from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He was accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and their children. Prior to voting, he offered prayers at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati.

Historical Context and Voter Engagement

Jalukbari has been Sarma's stronghold for nearly 25 years, having first won the seat in 2001 by defeating Bhrigu Kumar Phukan of the Assam Gana Parishad. Meanwhile, by 5 PM, various assembly constituencies reported normal voting rates, with Bagalkot in Karnataka at 65.68%, Davanagere South at 63.04%, Koridang in Nagaland at 80.62%, and Dharmanagar in Tripura at 79.84%. In the previous assembly elections held in Assam in 2021, approximately 82% of voters participated across three phases. This time, the elections are being conducted in a single phase with a total of 722 candidates, primarily from the ruling BJP-led coalition and the Congress-led opposition.

Voter Turnout and Key Candidates

Long queues of voters were observed outside polling stations from early morning. Officials reported that by 3 PM, the highest turnout was recorded in Chamarua, Kamrup, at 84.43%, while New Guwahati had the lowest at 60.57%. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, contesting again from the Lukhbari seat, voted at the Garal Buniyadi LP School in Kamrup (Metro) district with his family. Before casting their votes, they visited the Kamakhya Temple and the Dol Govinda Temple in North Guwahati for prayers. Other notable candidates who voted include Debabrata Saikia, the opposition leader from Nazira, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita from Jorhat, Assam Gana Parishad President Lurin Jyoti Gogoi from Khowang, and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi from Sivasagar.

Political Landscape in Kerala

In Kerala, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is striving to maintain power for a third consecutive term under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's governance and welfare model. Meanwhile, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is working to unseat the decade-long left rule and regain power. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) aims to challenge the dominance of both the LDF and UDF while converting its increasing voter share into a significant presence in the assembly.