Kerala Elections 2026: Prominent leaders, candidates arrive early at polling booths across Kerala

Assam Elections 2026: People voting in Assam to save democracy from fascist govt, claims Akhil Gogoi

Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi on Thursday claimed that the people of Assam were voting to save democracy from the “fascist BJP government”.

Gogoi, who is seeking re-election from the Sibsagar seat, claimed people of the state were turning up at polling booths in large numbers to change the government.

“We are facing an undemocratic government. It is a fascist government. The CM is a fascist,” he alleged, speaking to reporters after casting his vote.

“The BJP has done a lot of notorious things during its tenure. This time, the opposition will win comfortably and form the government,” he claimed.

The Raijor Dal chief asserted that he would win the Sibsagar seat by over 50,000 votes. (PTI)

Kerala Elections 2026: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor votes in Thiruvananthapuram

High voter turnout recorded thus far shows the people of Kerala want change, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor after voting in Thiruvananthapuram.

businessline on Instagram: “Kerala polls: High voter turnout recorded thus far shows the people of Kerala want change, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor after voting in Thiruvananthapuram.

Video: PTI”

2 likes, 0 comments – hindu_businessline on April 8, 2026: “Kerala polls: High voter turnout recorded thus far shows the people of Kerala want change, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor after voting in Thiruvananthapuram.

Video: PTI”.

Kerala Elections 2026: High turnout in Kannur where CPI(M) faces internal dissidence

Voters turn in their droves in constituencies in Kannur district, a CPI(M) bastion in Kerala, where the party is facing serious dissidence at the highest levels.

Kerala Polls 2026: BJP workers protest alleged duplicate voting in Wadakkanchery

In Wadakkanchery consistuency in Thrissur, BJP workers protest after a returning officer says the vote of a cadre has been registered already.

The constituency had witnessed a controversy after provision kits were allegedly supplied to potential voters a day ago to curry their favour.

Kerala Election 2026: CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts vote, confident of bigger LDF win

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed confidence that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) would secure a bigger victory in the Assembly elections after casting his vote at a polling booth in Pinarayi, Kannur. He described the elections as crucial for the State’s future.

Vijayan said Kerala is on a strong trajectory toward becoming a developed State, highlighting achievements across sectors that, according to him, must continue without interruption. He asserted that even those opposed to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) favour development and believe the LDF is best positioned to carry the State forward with committed and efficient governance.

He also claimed that Kerala remains the “least corrupt” State in the country, attributing this to the political culture upheld by the LDF.

Kerala Elections 2026: Long queues continue as Kerala polls cross 41% at noon

Largely peaceful voting with long queues sustains even after the peak window of 9 am to 11 am in many parts of Kerala.

Polling at 41.1 percentage in Kerala at 12 am, and rising.

Assam records 38.9% voter turnout so far; Keralam at 33.2%, Puducherry at 37%

Assam records 38.9% voter turnout so far; Keralam at 33.2%, Puducherry at 37%

Assam leads voter turnout at 38.9%, followed by Puducherry at 37% and Keralam at 33.2% in ongoing elections.

Kerala Opposition Leader VD Satheesan confident of UDF return with 100+ seats

V. D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, has expressed strong confidence that the Congress-led UDF will return to power with over 100 seats in the Assembly elections, citing encouraging polling trends across the state.

He pointed to national survey findings and his extensive visits to constituencies in recent months as indicators of growing public support for the UDF. According to him, the prevailing public sentiment is clearly in favour of a change in government.

Satheesan also noted that the long queues witnessed at polling booths reflect a positive democratic trend, highlighting the political awareness among voters. He said people are carefully evaluating the performance of both the ruling government and the opposition, and are casting their votes based on informed judgment.

Kerala nears 40% turnout in five hours, eyes beating 2021 record

Kerala braces to cross 40 per cent in five hours. Parties expect at this rate it could go likely beyond the 75.75 per cent overall in 2021 polls.

Free Uber ride helps first-time voters cast ballots in Kerala

Free Uber ride helps first-time voters cast ballots in Kerala

Uber offers free rides for first-time voters in Kerala to encourage participation in the Assembly elections.

Puducherry Elections 2026: Turnout crosses 37% by 11 am

Voting began on a strong note in the Union Territory of Puducherry, with voter turnout reaching 17.43 per cent by 9 am and rising sharply to 37.05 per cent by 11 am, according to the Election Commission of India.

Read the full story here

Kerala Assembly Election 2026: Suresh Gopi votes!

Union Minister Suresh Gopi after casting his vote in Kerala’s Guruvayur assembly.Watch here

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “People are happily participating in this election”.

Kerala Elections 2026: Ink issues and premature voting allegations surface

Kerala is reporting instances in which the indelible ink has not been applied or has dried up soon after voting. These have been complained against, and officials are looking into it. 

At least one aged voter complained to officials that his vote had been polled in advance. This happened in Malampuzha constituency in Palakkad district.

Free Uber ride helps first-time voters cast ballots in Kerala

For twin sisters Anagha Menon and Anuja Menon in Kochi, this Assembly election came with an unexpected perk — a free Uber ride to their polling station.

The 22-year-old first-time voters in Assembly polls made the most of the opportunity, booking an Uber Auto from their residence to cast their vote at the polling booth set up at SRV LP School. Calling the initiative attractive, they expressed hope that similar facilities would be extended in future elections as well.

The rides are free for up to 2 km from the pickup point. For distances beyond that, voters are required to pay the standard fare for the additional distance.

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Traditionally laid-back urban Kerala sees surge in early voting

More than half of voters polled in 2021 have exercised their franchise by 11 am in the traditionally laid back urban pockets in Thiruvananthapuram. This is seen as a big change, though fueled mainly by distilled voter lists post-SIR.

Senior Congress leader AK Antony says, It is more than a UDF wave; it is anti-Pinarayi wave, anti-LDF wave

Polling brisk in Puducherry as turnout crosses 37% by 11 am

Voting began on a strong note in the Union Territory of Puducherry, with voter turnout reaching 17.43 per cent by 9 am and rising sharply to 37.05 per cent by 11 am, according to the Election Commission of India.

Polling is underway for all 30 Assembly seats in the Union Territory, currently governed by a coalition led by the All India N. R. Congress under Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Kerala Assembly Elections in Pictures

Kerala crosses the 30 per cent threshold, and is now clocking 32.78 per cent polling.

Kerala polls 2026: Frenzy morning turnout in Kerala gets a lift from Uber

Many takers in Thiruvananthapuram for Uber ride. Akhil Kunjumon, a Uber autorickshaw driver says he hosted at least four guests so far, including a senior woman voter and three youngsters across three main seats in the city. 

He says the offer is 50 per cent of fare to the customer, with the driver getting 10 per cent. But none of them was offered ‘halwa’ as far as he can attest.

Long queues reflect ‘desire for change’, says K Muraleedharan

Kerala Poll Update: Voter turnout hits 29.9%, brisk polling continues

Kerala files away to 29.9 per cent polling, about to breach 30 per cent at the end of four hours since 7 am.

Assam Elections 2026: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks Maa Kamakhya’s darshan ahead of voting

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma offers prayers at Maa Kamakhya Temple, says, “There is election in Assam today. I was fortunate to get Maa Kamakhya’s darshan today. I prayed for welfare of people of Assam.”Watch his post-prayer press meet here.

Kerala Elections 2026: Voter flies in from US to “save citizenship” by voting

There appears to have been cases where voters have rushed in from abroad to exercise franchise to ‘save their citizenship.’ 

In Thiruvananthapuram, Jessy, a single parent with a son and daughter settled in the US, flew in to do just that. Asked to explain, she said she was influenced by social media campaigns to the effect that her citizenship could get annulled post-SIR, if she did not come here this time and vote.

BJP’s Anil Antony cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram, calls Keralam polls ‘decisive’

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anil K Antony on Thursday cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram as voting is underway in the state for the assembly election.

He said, “This election is going to be one of those decisive elections in Keralam’s history…After this election, you will see BJP emerge as a prominent pole in Keralam.” (ANI)

Puducherry Elections 2026: CM Rangaswamy arrives in style

Puducherry CM Rangaswamy’s two‑wheeler entry steals the show at polling booth, becomes a viral moment.Watch his entry here

Kerala Poll Watch: Will morning momentum sustain beyond 11 am?

It remains to be seen whether the brisk polling can sustain after the usually peak morning window of 9 am to 11 am. Cloudy conditions may allow it to some extent in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, though it remains sultry and humid in the two cities.

Nitish Kumar to quit as Bihar CM, say sources

Meanwhile in Bihar, reports coming in that Nitish Kumar to quit as Bihar CM on April 14. And new CM to be sworn in on April 15th or 16th. Nitish to fly to Delhi this afternoon. He is expected to take Rajya Sabha oath on April 10th.

Kerala Assembly Elections: Ernakulam leads with 21% voting, three hours in

Ernakulam district the first in Kerala to cross 21 per cent of polling at the end of three and hours since the exercise began at 7 am.

Assam Elections 2026: Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi votes in Jorhat

Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, contesting for the Jorhat Assembly seat, casts his vote amidst tight security .

Assam Polls: Himanta Biswa Sarma, chief minister of Assam, along with his wife and family visited Kamakhya temple to seek blessings.

After praying at Kamakhya Temple, Himanta Biswas says it was important to seek blessings on the election day. He is contesting from Jalukbari constituency and after Kamakhya visit, he is reportedly proceeding to Maa Manasa temple before casting his vote.

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Thrissur polling gets boost from student ‘special police officers’

Thrissur is generally known for orderly polling. However, in a polling booth in the city, ‘special police officers’ were on duty lending a hand to the election officials, assisting the elderly and clarifying voter queries. An election official said “deployment of these student officers is a first across constituencies”. As a key security measure, special CCTV webcasting devices have also been installed.

Actor Mammootty arrives at polling booth to cast his vote

Assam Polls 2026: Senior citizens turn out early in Assam polls to vote

Women and senior citizens were early to turn up.

Pic Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Kerala Assembly Polls: Absolute votes take center stage in post-SIR poll analysis

Post-SIR, rather than polling percentage, it will be the absolute number of votes that would decide the ultimate trend of voting, according to observers.

BJP’s star candidates: R Sreelekha and Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Focus

Kerala CM ‘anti-people’, says KC Venugopal

Keralam Assembly elections: Over 16% voter turnout recorded till 9 am

Keralam Assembly elections: Over 16% voter turnout recorded till 9 am

Keralam Assembly elections report over 16% voter turnout by 9 am, with Thripunithura leading at 20.59%.

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Ramesh Chennithala spots UDF wave, bids ‘goodbye’ to Pinarayi-led LDF

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala finds a ‘wave’ favoring Congress-led UDF in polling so far in Kerala, and proceeds to ‘bid goodbye’ to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and ruling LDF.

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Brisk morning polls push Kerala turnout to 20.2%

Kerala as a whole records 20.2 per cent after three hours of polling in what observers says is brisk polling.

Assam Assembly Election 2026: Assam sees strong voter turnout in key districts

Kerala polls 2026: Early birds make their mark in Ernakulam recording 20% polling at 10 am

A number of seats in Ernakulam district record 20 per cent polling and above at 10 am. Many seats where the BJP hopes to make a mark also register brisk polling, especially in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Keralam Elections: “This election will decide the future of the state; everyone, including our rivals, Kerala must prosper at the same pace”, says Pinarayi Vijayan

​

​

Assam Elections: AGP MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury says, “The election process is going on. There may be minor issues, which are common in elections, but overall, voting is taking place peacefully.”

​

​

Keralam’s Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan casts his vote

​

​

Assam polls: Voting underway in Guwahati

People show their voting cards as they wait in a queue to cast their votes during the Assam Assembly elections, at a polling station, in Guwahati.

Keralam Assembly elections LIVE | CPM General Secretary MA Baby casts his vote in Thiruvananthapuram

Is SIR an incentive to vote this time? Yes, according to some voters in Thiruvananthapuram

What the SIR has come up with are only’real’ voters ‘with a face.’ Coupled with the prospect of strong multi-cornered contests, many of them have been only eager to come out and exercise their franchise. 

This explains the spirit with which urban voters are coming out to vote in traditional laggard seats in Thiruvananthapuram, they add.

Assam Assembly Elections: Rain or shine, voters queued up to exercise their franchise in Assam polls

The change is palpable in Assam in this 2026 Assembly election, says Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

​

​

Keralam Assembly Elections: False and communal propaganda can’t defeat LDF, says Pinarayi Vijayan

Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday expressed confidence in the Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying that the public trusts the ruling alliance.Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Kannur, Vijayan said that “false and communal propaganda” cannot defeat the LDF.(ANI)

‘Day to determine your rights’: Jharkhand CM appeals to people of Assam to vote

Appealing to the people of Assam to cast their votes, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on Thursday said it was a day to determine their rights, their dignity, and their future.

Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is contesting on 16 seats in Assam’s 126-member assembly.

“The struggle will succeed… Today, the sacred festival of democracy is being celebrated in Assam. This is not just voting, but a day to determine your rights, your dignity, and your future,” Soren said in a social media post.

“I appeal to all voters, including the exploited and deprived sections of society from Assam’s revolutionary land, to actively exercise your franchise,” he said.(PTI)

Kerala Assembly Polls: Free Uber, sweet halwa… but where’s Gen Z at the polls?

Not many Gen Z voters appear to come out and partake of the Election Commission’s offer of ‘halwa’ or a free Uber ride to polling stations.

Keralam Assembly Elections 2026: Congress MP predicts 100-seat UDF win in Kerala

​

​

Puducherry Assembly Polls: Meet Nila, the saree-clad humanoid welcoming voters in Puducherry

A humanoid robot named “Nila”, dressed in a saree, greeted voters arriving at the VOC Government School polling station in PuducherryWatch here:

Prominent leaders, candidates arrive early at polling booths in Kerala

Prominent personalities and candidates reached polling booths even before the voting process commenced across Kerala on Thursday morning.

Over 2.71 crore voters are set to exercise their franchise to elect a new government in the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his wife, daughter and son, walked to the polling booth at RC Amala Basic UP School in Pinarayi in Kannur district at around 8 am on Thursday.

He was accompanied by party leaders.

Describing the election as decisive, Vijayan said it would determine the future of Kerala as the state is moving towards becoming a developed state.

“We have been able to achieve development and it should continue. It should not be disrupted and people desire its continuation,” he told reporters.

He said people across the state, including those opposing the LDF, are interested in Kerala’s development and believe that only the Left front can take the state forward in a dedicated manner.

“We have low corruption, and people know that no other front can achieve this. The last 10 years have witnessed wide-ranging development, and the LDF was behind it. People strongly believe that for this development to continue, the LDF should remain in power,” he said.

He said attempts to spread fake narratives would not yield results.

“We trust the people, and they trust us. We have travelled with the people in the last 10 years, and that journey continues,” he added.

Referring to past elections, Vijayan said the mandate in 2019, which gave the LDF more seats than in 2016, was a recognition of its work. (PTI)

CM Pinarayi Vijayan interacts with the media after casting his vote at Dharmadom, Kannur.

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Polling Update

17.23% polling in Nemom where Rajeev Chandrasekhar of NDA is standing from. He is the state president of the BJP.

Kerala Assembly Elections: Polling Update

Polling crosses 16% in Kerala as pace picks up remarkably in the last 30 minutes or so

Actor and Palakkad UDF candidate Ramesh Pisharody casts his vote in Kochi.

Kerala Assembly Polls 2026: Congress MP KC Venugopal casts his vote at Higher Secondary School, Thiruvampady

Kerala Assembly Elections: Urban Thiruvananthapuram wakes up

Urban voters in Thiruvananthapuram appear to shed their traditional complacency and come out in large numbers after two hours of polling. This is indicative of strong multi-cornered contests in the district with NDA upping the ante, observers say.

Assembly polls: Voting begins in Puducherry amid tight security

Voting for the Assembly election commenced amid tight security across the union territory of Puducherry on Thursday with 9.50 lakh voters set to decide the electoral fortunes of the ruling NDA, determined to retain power and the opposition INDIA bloc, which is steadfast in its aim to win polls and assume power.

Voters lined up enthusiastically before the polling stations in Puducherry, and in its enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam to exercise their franchise. Polling began at 7 am and it is set to go on till 6 pm.

Read more here

Puducherry Elections 2026: Former CM V Narayanasamy casts vote, says INDIA alliance set to form govt

Congress leader and former Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy casts his vote at a polling booth in Mission Street. He says, “The poll poll started now. We’ll be knowing the trend only after 1 am. But the I contacted various constituencies, our candidates, our our workers, the situation is very good. The INDIA alliance will form the government in Puducherry. I request the people of Puducherry, come and vote and vote for vote in the election. They should exercise their democratic right and 100 per cent voting should be ensured by the people of Puducherry.”

Polling so far ‘moderate’ in Kerala

Next two hours crucial—wave or stalemate in Kerala?

Next two hours will decide if there is a ‘wave’ in Kerala to support Opposition UDF’s claims of a landslide win, and ruling LDF’s expectations of return for a third term.

Assam Assembly Elections 2026

Age no Barrier!

Kerala Assembly Elections: Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur districts record highest polling at 10.8 per cent in largely peaceful polling in Kerala during first two hours.

Keralam Assembly elections 2026: Union Minister Suresh Gopi casts vote in Guruvayur, urges voters to decide “diligently and intelligently”

Assam Election 2026: “Be the change” — Kunki Chowdhury urges youth after casting her vote

AJP candidate from Guwhati Central seat Kunki Chowdhury after casting her vote, says, “It is amazing that I have got this opportunity to contest elections from a very prestigious constituency and I am awaiting people to come out and vote. It feels good that young candidates have come out to change the system and we have to become a part of the system if we want to bring a real change.”

Union Minister George Kurian casts vote in Kottayam, says “NDA expecting great mandate”

Union Minister and National Democratic Alliance’s Kanjirapally candidate George Kurian on Thursday expressed confidence in achieving a “great mandate” in the Keralam assembly polls.

Kurian, who cast his vote at a polling station in Kottayam Kanakkary Government Higher Secondary School, stated that the NDA leaders have requested the people to vote in favour of the alliance.(ANI)

Kerala Elections 2026: Actor and Palakkad UDF candidate Ramesh Pisharody casts his vote in Kochi

Kerala Elections 2026: Hibi Eden votes in Ernakulam, urges youth turnout

Kerala Elections 2026: Congress MP Hibi Eden casts his vote in Ernakulam, urging youngsters to cast their vote, he says, “the politically aware people of Kerala will vote for the UDF, there is anti-incumbency against the LDF.”

Kerala Elections 2026: BJP state president and Nemom assembly candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar votes

BJP state president and Nemom assembly candidate, Rajeev Chandrasekhar shows the voter mark after casting his vote for the Kerala State assembly elections at Jawahar Nagar LP School, in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

PHOTO: NIRMAL HARINDRAN / THE HINDU

Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts vote for Assembly polls in Kannur

Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts vote for Assembly polls in Kannur

Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan votes in Kannur, aiming for a historic third term amid a competitive Assembly election.

Keralam Elections: Mohanlal arrives at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram to cast his vote

Kerala Assembly elections: Polling crosses 10% mark in many seats in Kerala after two hours.

Voting reached 10.6% after two hours in Kerala as long queues form at many places.

‘Vote for change’: Keralam BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar casts his vote in Thiruvananthapuram

Keralam BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday cast his vote in the Assembly elections being held today and described the contest as important while urging voters to “make their vote about change”.(ANI)

Kerala Assembly polls: Brisk start in BJP’s target turf as Nemom and Kazhakkottam vote early

Nemom and Kazhakkottam seats in Thiruvananthapuram, where BJP says it will make major inroads, witness brisk polling in the first hour.

Kerala Assembly elections: Early hours see elderly and women voters lead the turnout in Kerala, beating the heat

Mostly aged and women voters exercise their franchise in the first one hour or so of polling in Kerala, mindful of the inhospitable weather towards noon from rising heat and humidity. Gen Z voters yet to make their presence felt in the state.

PM Modi appeals to people of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry to vote in large numbers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the people of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the assembly elections in the two states and the Union Territory.

In separate messages in English, besides Assamese, Malayalam and Tamil — the regional languages of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry respectively — PM Modi particularly requested the youth and the women to step forward and vote 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,” he said in a post on X. (PTI)

Puducherry Assembly elections: It’s NDA vs INDIA Bloc vs TVK in Puducherry: A rare triangular battle unfolds in the UT

After a long time Puducherry witnessing a three cornered fight with the NDA (comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK, and LJK) and India Bloc (Congress, DMK and VCK ) facing a third force in TVK.

Puducherry Assembly elections: Vijay’s TVK debuts in Pondy polls

TVK – Tamilagai Vettri Kazhagam – party of Actor Vijay makes its debut in Puducherry politics. Will this party be a kingmaker?

Puducherry Assembly elections: Ballots open, hopes high as the beach city sees frenzy voting from dawn

294 candidates in fray in Puducherry with 9.5 lakh voters deciding their fate. 

Voting began amid tight security at 7 am with long queues seen .

Assam Polls: Voting continues unfazed amidst heavy rains

Pic credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Assam sees heavy rain, but voter spirit hasn’t been dampened

Raining heavily in Hojai, Assam and yet rain has not dampened the spirit of voters who have turned out in big numbers early morning with umbrellas . Shiladitya Dev of BJP pitted against Jhili Chowdhury of INC in the constituency.

Kerala Assembly elections: Polling percentage rises to 5.6 per cent in Kerala after one-and-hours.

Voter turnout impressive: LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan

LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan, who is locked in a close fight in fortress Perambra, says he is impressed with the turnout so far in Kerala, with women voters outnumbering their male counterparts.

Election Commission declares paid holiday on polling days for upcoming elections

​

Election Commission declares paid holiday on polling days for upcoming elections

Election Commission announces paid holiday for all employees on polling days to ensure voter participation in upcoming elections.

​

Pinarayi Vijayan says LDF confident of surpassing 2021 win, cites decade of development

CM Pinarayi Vijayan speaking to reporters in Dharmadam after casting his vote said that people realise that LDF has achieved what no other party has in terms of development, taking various projects to their conclusion. He says people have experienced the change in 10 years and LDF has been travelling with people of the land. “In 2021 we received more than we got in 2016 and we are confident that this time we will get more than we got in 2021,” he said. A developed Keralam is our dream and we are confident people will be with us, he said .

In the first hour of voting, an average 3-3.5 per cent of voters cast their ballots in Kerala.

Assam polls: Police knock, passport claims and sharp barbs mark final days before Assam vote

​

Police knock, passport claims and sharp barbs mark final days before Assam vote

Tensions rise in Assam’s election campaign as police action and personal attacks dominate the final days before voting.

​

Top leaders cast their votes across Keralam as high turnout seen in many constituencies

Several top leaders have cast their vote across Keralam . Suresh Gopi in Thrissur, V Satheeshan in North Paravur. Huge turnout witnessed in many constituencies.

Meet CM Rangasamy, NDA’s calm and unflappable leader in Puducherry

​

Meet CM Rangasamy, NDA’s unflappable face in Puducherry

Puducherry CM N Rangasamy campaigns with a calm, grassroots approach as Assembly polls near, banking on strong public connect and experience.

​

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts vote in Dharmadam, eyes third straight term

In Kannur, Keralam chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan just cast his vote from Dharmadam constituency fighting for a record third time in power

BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekharan predicts no clear mandate for UDF or LDF as BJP gains ground

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekharan standing to cast his vote in his constituency told reporters that in his view neither UDF nore LDF would get a clear mandate as BJP will have an impact.

Assam’s financial and social scorecard 

​

Assam’s financial and social scorecard 

Explore Assam’s economic and social indicators under the NDA government as they approach the re-election campaign.

​

Bots in the poll battlefield – from sentiment tracking to targeted messaging

​

Bots in the poll battlefield – from sentiment tracking to targeted messaging

Explore how AI is transforming political campaigns through sentiment analysis, targeted messaging, and rapid content creation in Tamil Nadu.

​

Kerala sets 85% polling target, aiming to match record turnout last seen in 1960

State Election Commission has put a target of 85 per cent of polling in Kerala, a threshold breached only once in the state’s history way back in 1960. 

That year, the state witnessed 85.72 per cent of polling in elections held after the EMS Namboodiripad government had to bow out of power. 

The lowest polling percentage of 71.16 per cent was recorded in 1996, while the last Assembly polls held in 2021 returned 75.75 per cent.

Assam polls: In pictures

CCTV surveillance and strict policing witnessed in polling booths in Assam

Polling underway in Assam

Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar

In Puducherry, model polling booth with flowers, seating, token system, and robot welcomes early voters

In Puducherry at a model polling booth bedecked with flowers , people were seen seated since 6.30 am. Seating arrangements had been made. A token system was arranged . Also a robot greeted voters.

Kerala polls: Mohan Lal casts vote in Nemom after standing in queue for half an hour amid tough triangular contest

Mohan Lal cast his vote from Poojappura in Nemom . A huge number of women voters have queued up to cast their votes.

No exit polls from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29: EC

Exit polls can neither be held nor disseminated from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29 for the five assembly elections taking place this month, the Election Commission has said.

It has also cautioned that conducting or broadcasting exit polls in the period is violative of section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and is “punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with fine or both”.

While Kerala, Assam and Puducherry going for assembly polls on April 9, the electoral exercise will be held in Tamil Nadu on April 23.

In West Bengal, state polls will be held on April 23 and 29.

While the 48 hour ‘silence period’ in Kerala and Puducherry will commence at 6 pm on Tuesday, it will kick in at 5 pm in Assam. ​

No exit polls from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29: EC

Exit polls can neither be held nor disseminated from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29 for the five assembly elections taking place this month, the Election Commission has said.

​

People standing in long lines to cast their votes in Guwahati on 9th April 2026.

Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar / The Hindu

2.71 crore voters head for booths in Kerala

An estimated 2.71 crore voters in Kerala will fan out into the more than 34,000 booths in the state today to exercise their franchise in elections to the State Assembly. 

The last couple of days leading up to the poll were eventful with ‘vote for cash’ and ‘vote for (provision) kits’ breaking out in Thrissur district. 

A third one was an alleged phone conversation between a minister and sitting MLA of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) fixing blame on each other for the ‘man-made’ failures that allegedly set off the historic 2018 floods. 

Separately, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took on his Telangana counterpart Revanth Reddy in a one-to-one spat deviating from campaign rhetoric. – Our Bureau

Assam polls: Assam electorate stands at 2.5 crore, with nearly equal male and female voters and 318 in transgender category

Of 2,50,54,463 electors in Assam, 1,25,31,552 are male voters and 1,25,22,593 females. There are 318 voters in the Transgender category and 63,423 service voters.Among the electorate, 6,42,314 voters are in the age group of 18-19 years, 2,50,006 are above 80 years of age, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities. – ANI

Assam heads to polls today as Congress looks to reclaim the state

Polling for the 126 seats in Assam will be held today. Votes will be counted on May 4. The polling will begin at 7 am. The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term. The Congress-led alliance includes Raijor Dal and CPI(M).

In Assam, more than 2.5 crore electors are eligible to exercise their franchise for the 126-member legislative assembly. There are 722 candidates in the fray. – ANI

Keralam sets up over 30,000 polling stations, deploys 1.46 lakh trained staff for voting

For a smooth voting process, 30,471 polling stations have been set up in Keralam, out of which 119 are logistic and voter machine distribution centres and 41 are vote counting centres.Keralam Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar said that 1.46 lakh trained polling personnel will be dispatched to all the polling stations.

Keralam electorate has 2.7 crore voters, including over 4.2 lakh first-time voters and 2 lakh seniors aged 85+

The Keralam electorate comprises 2,69,53,644 registered voters, in which the total number of female voters is 1,38,27,319, the number of male voters is 1,31,26,048, and the number of Third gender category voters is 277.

Among them, around 4,24,518 voters are in the 18-19 age group, and 2,04,608 voters are in the senior citizen category, aged 85 years and above. – ANI

Keralam to vote today: Over 2.6 cr voters to decide fate of 883 candidates

Over 2,6 crore electors will rush to poll stations on Thursday to decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala and elect its 140-member Legislative Assembly in a high-stakes battle between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The voting in Keralam is being held in a single phase and will begin at 7 AM. The current Assembly’s tenure ends on May 23.

In the south-Indian state, over 2,6 crore electors will decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies.

Puducherry to vote today for 30 seats to elect new assembly

Puducherry is set to vote today at 7 am for a total of 30 seats. A total of 10,14,070 electors are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect the 30-member Legislative Assembly.

The electorate comprises 5,39,125 female voters, 4,74,788 male voters, and 157 voters belonging to the Third gender category. Out of this, 24,156 voters belong to the age group of 18-19 years, while 6,034 voters belong to the senior citizen category (aged 85 and above). – ANI