GUWAHATI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The high-stakes Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE updates show a robust start to the single-phase polling across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry today. As of 9:00 AM, voter enthusiasm remains high despite rising temperatures in the southern regions. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Assam currently leads the morning turnout at 17.87%. Meanwhile, the Union Territory of Puducherry recorded 17.41%, and Kerala followed closely with a 16.23% participation rate.
Polling commenced at 7:00 AM across all three regions. In Assam, the voting process for 126 constituencies will conclude at 5:00 PM. However, voters in Kerala and Puducherry have until 6:00 PM to cast their ballots for 140 and 30 seats, respectively. Early reports indicate long queues outside polling booths, particularly in rural pockets. The ECI has deployed AI-based surveillance in Kerala to monitor crowd density and ensure a smooth experience for the 2.71 crore eligible voters in the state.
Assam: NDA Seeks Hat-trick Amidst Identity Debates
In Assam, the battle for the 126-member assembly is primarily a face-off between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led coalition. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who offered prayers at the Kamakhya Temple early this morning, is aiming for a third straight term. He is contesting from his stronghold, Jalukbari, where he faces a challenge from the opposition’s combined front. The NDA’s campaign has heavily focused on its governance record and issues of regional identity.
Opposing the incumbent government is the Congress-led alliance, with MP Gaurav Gogoi emerging as a prominent face for the opposition. The Congress has campaigned vigorously on issues of unemployment and the impact of recent administrative decisions on local communities. With 2.50 crore eligible voters and 722 candidates in the fray, the turnout in Upper Assam’s tea belt and Lower Assam’s minority-dominated areas will be critical. Results for this high-octane contest are scheduled for declaration on May 4.
Also Read : Assam Assembly Elections 2026: Polling Begins Amid Tight Security
Kerala and Puducherry: Battles for Continuity and Change
Kerala is witnessing a historic attempt by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to secure power for a third consecutive term. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is leading the charge from Dharmadam, emphasizing his government’s social welfare schemes. On the other hand, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is fighting to restore the state’s traditional pattern of alternating power every five years. The BJP-led NDA is also putting up a strong fight in several key urban constituencies, aiming to expand its legislative footprint.
In Puducherry, the Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE data shows a competitive environment for the 30 available seats. The ruling NDA, under Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, is eyeing a second straight term by highlighting its alignment with the central government. Meanwhile, the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the Congress and DMK, is hoping to capitalize on local issues like statehood and administrative autonomy. A new factor this year is the entry of actor Vijay’s party, TVK, which has fielded candidates across all constituencies.
Security and Voter Facilities in 2026
The ECI has made extensive arrangements to facilitate a fair and transparent election. Over 31,000 polling stations in Assam and 30,000 in Kerala are equipped with webcasting facilities. To combat the summer heat, authorities have provided drinking water, fans, and shaded waiting areas at various booths. In Puducherry, drone surveillance is being used to monitor any attempts at voter intimidation or illegal distributions near sensitive polling centers.
Additionally, by-polls for five Assembly seats across Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura are also being conducted today. The ECI reports that the process has remained peaceful so far, with only minor technical glitches involving EVMs in some rural booths, which were swiftly resolved. As the day progresses, the turnout is expected to surge, particularly in urban centers during the late afternoon. Stay tuned for our hourly updates as the three-way regional battle reaches its climax.