Political Landscape Shifts: Key Elections and Legislative Proposals in 2026
Significant Political Developments Ahead
The upcoming year is set to witness crucial political events that could significantly shape the governance and political landscape of the country. From major elections in various states to contentious legislative proposals and potential leadership changes within major parties, 2026 could be a pivotal year for key political entities, including the ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress. Compared to 2025, the political scene in 2026 is expected to be notably busier, with elections scheduled in four states, including West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry.
West Bengal Elections
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will vigorously defend her government against the BJP's resurgence, while Congress and leftist parties will attempt to strengthen their positions. The competition in West Bengal is anticipated to be particularly intense, with the BJP determined to unseat Banerjee. However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) maintains a strong grassroots presence, making Banerjee a formidable force even after several years. Unlike other states, the polarized elections will not solely benefit the BJP; the TMC is expected to receive support from approximately 30% of Muslim voters. For the leftist parties and Congress, which failed to secure any seats in the last election, gaining a foothold will be a significant challenge. The current assembly's term concludes on May 7, 2026, and parties are actively campaigning with confidence in their chances of victory.
Tamil Nadu's Political Dynamics
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK faces challenges from the AIADMK, which is now backed by the BJP. Although the AIADMK did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the NDA, it still garnered around 20.5% of the votes, while the BJP-led NDA received approximately 18.2%. If the votes of the DMDK are included, the NDA's total vote share could reach about 41%.
Kerala's Political Landscape
In Kerala, the CPM-led LDF will strive for an unprecedented third consecutive term. However, the recent local body elections saw a remarkable comeback by the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the BJP-led NDA also achieved victories, marking a significant shift in Kerala's bipolar politics. The current assembly's term is set to end in May 2026.
Assam's Political Contest
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of the BJP will face a resurgence from Congress, while in Puducherry, the AIADMK-BJP alliance will confront challenges in maintaining their fragile coalition against the DMK and Congress. The elections for Assam's 126-seat assembly are expected to take place in March-April next year.
BMC Elections: A Crucial Test for the Opposition
The upcoming electoral phase is critical for the opposition, which is in dire need of political momentum. Its first test will be the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, scheduled for January 15, alongside 28 other municipal elections in Maharashtra. Control over India's wealthiest municipal body holds not only administrative power but also significant symbolic importance.
Controversial Legislative Proposals
One of the most contentious political debates in 2026 may revolve around the Narendra Modi government's proposal to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, commonly referred to as "One Nation, One Election." The BJP's long-term ideological goals, such as the abrogation of Article 370, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the push for a Uniform Civil Code, have already been achieved. Now, conducting simultaneous elections is emerging as part of the party's new political agenda.
Ending Naxalism?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline of March 2026 to eradicate left-wing extremism or Naxalism from the country. Over the past year, anti-Maoist operations have intensified in Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, resulting in the deaths of senior Naxalite leaders and an increase in surrenders. Given the limited political opposition to the central government's security approach against Naxalites, discussions may focus on comparing the NDA's strategy to how the UPA addressed this issue. Notably, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once described Naxalism as "the most serious internal security threat to India."
Census and Delimitation
After an unprecedented gap of 16 years, India's decennial census is finally set to commence in 2026. This will be the country's first fully digital census and the first to include caste enumeration since independence. The initial phase of household listing will take place from April to September 2026, followed by the population count in February 2027.