New Delhi, Ap 9: Polling for the 2026 Assembly elections began at 7 am on Thursday in Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, with early voter turnout showing moderate participation. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Assam recorded a 17.87 per cent turnout at 9 am, Kerala 16.23 per cent, and Puducherry 17.41 per cent.
In Kerala, over 2.69 crore registered voters are deciding the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies. The electorate comprises 1.38 crore women, 1.31 crore men, and 277 third-gender voters. Among them, 4,24,518 voters are aged 18–19, while 2,04,608 are aged 85 and above. A total of 30,471 polling stations have been set up across the state. The ruling Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF seeks a historic third consecutive term, while the Congress-led UDF aims to return to power amid anti-incumbency sentiments.
In Assam, over 2.50 crore voters are eligible for the 126-member assembly elections, with 722 candidates in the fray. The state’s electorate includes 1.25 crore male voters, 1.25 crore female voters, 318 transgender voters, and 63,423 service voters. Notably, 6,42,314 voters are aged 18–19, 2,50,006 are above 80 years, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities. Webcasting facilities have been enabled at all 31,490 polling stations to ensure transparency. A total of 1,51,132 polling personnel are deployed, with additional personnel and voting machines kept on standby for emergencies. The ruling BJP-led NDA seeks a third successive term, while Congress has formed a six-party alliance to challenge it.
In Puducherry, 10,14,070 voters are eligible across 30 constituencies, including 5,39,125 women, 4,74,788 men, and 157 third-gender voters. The youngest voters number 24,156, while senior citizens aged 85 and above total 6,034. The contest is primarily between the ruling NR Congress-led NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance, with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam also participating.
Counting of votes for all three regions is scheduled for May 4, 2026.
