State elections 2026 top developments: BJP eyes third term in Assam, NDA-INDIA face-off in Puducherry and a three-way contest in Kerala NEW DELHI: Voting began across Kerala, Assam and Puducherry on Thursday, with early turnout figures till 9 am indicating steady participation. According to the Election Commission of India, Kerala recorded 16.23% turnout, Assam 17.87%, and Puducherry 17.41% in the first few hours of polling.The counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026, when results for all three assemblies will be declared. A total of 140 members will be elected in Kerala, 30 in Puducherry, and 126 in Assam. The electorate comprises 2,69,53,644 voters in Kerala, 9,44,211 in Puducherry, and 2,49,58,139 in Assam.Here are the top developments from Assam, Kerala and Puducherry:AssamPrime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their franchise. He called on young voters to “enthusiastically participate and transform this election into a festival of democracy and civic duty”. Meanwhile, allegations surfaced from the Opposition regarding an influx of Hindi-speaking voters in lower Assam attempting to vote illegally. Congress candidate from Dispur, Mira Borthakur Goswami, alleged that the BJP could try to secure votes through such means, calling it “vote chori”.PuducherryThe Union Territory recorded an approximate voter turnout of 17.41% till 9 am.Congress leader and former Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc securing a victory in the Union Territory.KeralaKollam district reported a turnout of 16.04% by 10 am, with Eravipuram (16.68%) and Kollam (16.64%) among the leading constituencies. Long queues were seen at polling booths, and officials said voting was proceeding peacefully. Favourable weather conditions are expected to support higher turnout through the day.KPCC president and UDF candidate from Peravur, Sunny Joseph, cast his vote at Kadathumkadav in the morning. He predicted a sweeping victory for the UDF with over 100 seats and expressed confidence in securing a fourth consecutive win in Peravur, dismissing opinion polls that projected his defeat.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSheikh Hasina Extradition Demand Tests India-Bangladesh Ties Amid Visa Easing And Energy Talks‘Interesting Thought’: Raghav Chadha Hints at Launching Own Political Party‘Bilateral Trade Growing Towards $500 Bn Ambition’: Piyush Goyal At Launch Of India-US Trade PortalIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In Delhi123PhotostoriesWhy people instinctively close their eyes during prayerStick these 5 quotes in your child’s room and watch their confidence growTop 5 premium residential areas in Gandhinagar for upscale living10 most brightly coloured birds to spot in Indian forests5 powerful types of daan in Hinduism believed to improve your karmaThursday Special: 6 Things to do for prosperity and positivity8 desi vegetarian breakfast dishes made with Oats10 regional and landscape-inspired home names in India and their meaningsHow to grow karela (bitter gourd) in containers at homeTaking calcium but still have weak bones? Why supplements alone don’t work and what you need to actually improve bone health123Hot PicksKerala VotingRaghav ChadhaPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingPope Leo XIVMamata BanerjeeTop Stock RecommendationsCrude Oil PriceMike VrabelMegan Thee StallionSerena WilliamsIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date
NEW DELHI: Voting began across Kerala, Assam and Puducherry on Thursday, with early turnout figures till 9 am indicating steady participation. According to the Election Commission of India, Kerala recorded 16.23% turnout, Assam 17.87%, and Puducherry 17.41% in the first few hours of polling.The counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026, when results for all three assemblies will be declared. A total of 140 members will be elected in Kerala, 30 in Puducherry, and 126 in Assam. The electorate comprises 2,69,53,644 voters in Kerala, 9,44,211 in Puducherry, and 2,49,58,139 in Assam.
Here are the top developments from Assam, Kerala and Puducherry:
AssamPrime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their franchise. He called on young voters to “enthusiastically participate and transform this election into a festival of democracy and civic duty”. Meanwhile, allegations surfaced from the Opposition regarding an influx of Hindi-speaking voters in lower Assam attempting to vote illegally. Congress candidate from Dispur, Mira Borthakur Goswami, alleged that the BJP could try to secure votes through such means, calling it “vote chori”.PuducherryThe Union Territory recorded an approximate voter turnout of 17.41% till 9 am.Congress leader and former Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc securing a victory in the Union Territory.KeralaKollam district reported a turnout of 16.04% by 10 am, with Eravipuram (16.68%) and Kollam (16.64%) among the leading constituencies. Long queues were seen at polling booths, and officials said voting was proceeding peacefully. Favourable weather conditions are expected to support higher turnout through the day.KPCC president and UDF candidate from Peravur, Sunny Joseph, cast his vote at Kadathumkadav in the morning. He predicted a sweeping victory for the UDF with over 100 seats and expressed confidence in securing a fourth consecutive win in Peravur, dismissing opinion polls that projected his defeat.