Elections 2026 Highlights: Assam, Puducherry record highest-ever voter turnout; Kerala registers over 78% voting

All updates to this live blog have ended.

Assam and Puducherry registered their highest-ever voter turnout, recording 85.38% and 89.83% respectively, surpassing previous highs of 84.67% in Assam (2016 Assembly polls) and 86.19% in Puducherry (2011 Assembly polls). Meanwhile, Kerala reported a voter turnout of 78.03% in its Assembly elections.
 

Polling figures continued to climb by 6 pm, with Puducherry recording the highest turnout at 89.08%, followed by Assam at 85.04% and Kerala at 77.38%, according to provisional data. Figures are subject to updates as final reports come in.

Around 30 people were injured and seven arrested in poll-related violence in Assam, officials said. A senior officer told Press Trust of India that Congress candidate Kartik Sena Sinha allegedly damaged an EVM after a dispute at a polling booth, triggering clashes between Congress and BJP supporters.

-PTI

Over 60% voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in two Karnataka Assembly bypoll constituencies on Thursday. Bagalkot saw 65.68% polling, while Davanagere South recorded 63.04%. The bypolls, triggered by the demise of sitting Congress MLAs, have turned into a key contest, with the Congress aiming to retain both seats and BJP looking to gain ground.

-PTI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the high voter turnout as a historic moment, describing the election as more than a political contest. He said, “What we set out to do was not merely fight an election, but to turn it into a movement,” aimed at protecting Assam’s identity and culture. Highlighting unprecedented participation, he noted that “in many polling booths, participation is crossing 95%,” calling it extraordinary. Emphasising unity, Sarma added, “Assam has risen above language and caste,” asserting that voters delivered a strong message to safeguard the state’s land, identity, and future.

Polling officials sealed EVMs and VVPAT machines after voting concluded in Assam’s Kamrup district. A presiding officer said, "The voting concluded peacefully...I thank the Election Commission of India for conducting the elections peacefully," highlighting smooth poll management and orderly conduct throughout the voting process.

-ANI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma got into a heated exchange with a reporter from The Lallantop when questioned about his use of language, as he arrived to cast his vote in the Jalukbari constituency. Watch full video here

Polling gathered further momentum by 5 pm, with Puducherry recording the highest turnout at 86.92%, followed closely by Assam at 84.42%, while Kerala registered 75.01%, as per official figures.

Voter turnout in Assam climbed to 75.9% by 3 pm, with a majority of constituencies recording polling in the 75-80% range, indicating a robust participation trend across the state.

Polling remained robust across three states and one Union Territory till 3 pm, with Assam recording the highest voter turnout at 75.91%, followed by Puducherry at 72.40% and Kerala at 62.71%, according to official data.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged voters to prioritise casting their ballots in the 2026 Assembly elections, describing it as a crucial step for strengthening democracy.

"I appeal to everyone to cast their vote before any other errand of the day, because it is important for strengthening democracy. The 'Double Engine' government has become synonymous with development, good governance and welfare of the poor, who join every person with the mainstream," he said. 

Assam Minister Ashok Singhal cast his vote on Thursday for the Assam Assembly elections, saying he was the first voter at his booth.

"I was the first one to cast my vote at my booth. The people of Assam are going to give a very important verdict today. This will be historic. The way people have supported us, I think this election will be for the development of Assam. People want a safe and secure Assam. We are getting a huge number of votes in the state... BJP will get more than 75-80 seats and with the alliance partners, we may cross 100 seats," Singhal said. 

Assam’s assembly elections are witnessing robust participation, with the state reporting a 59.6 per cent voter turnout by 1 pm, officials said. Most constituencies are seeing polling figures in the 55–60% range, indicating steady engagement across the state.

The Kerala Assembly elections are progressing smoothly, with voter turnout crossing 49 per cent so far, State Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar said. Polling began at 7 am and is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm.

Voter turnout across Assam, Kerala and Puducherry showed strong participation by 1 pm on Thursday, according to election officials. Assam recorded the highest turnout at 59.63 per cent, followed by Puducherry at 56.83 per cent and Kerala at 49.7 per cent. Polling has been proceeding smoothly in all three regions, with security measures and voter facilitation in place to ensure a fair and orderly process.

Assam Chief Minister and Jalukbari constituency candidate Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and their children, cast their votes at a polling station in Kampur on Thursday for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Voter turnout in the ongoing Puducherry Assembly elections crossed the 50 per cent mark by 1 pm on Thursday, with 54.97 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots, officials said.

Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban exercised his right to vote in the ongoing Kerala Assembly elections on Thursday, emphasising the responsibility that comes with casting a ballot. Speaking after casting his vote, Boban said he viewed voting as a civic duty.

Malayalam film star Mammootty, along with his wife Sulfath Kutty, cast their votes at a polling station in Kochi on Thursday, as voting continued across Kerala for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday commented on the Baramati Assembly by-election, saying that Congress has decided to contest the seat. Speaking to reporters, Pawar noted that as a national party, Congress has the autonomy to make its own decision.

"Congress has decided to contest the election. It is a national party, so we can't say anything to them. But, if I am asked, I would like to advise Congress that it would be best to have an unopposed election in Baramati. The decision is up to Congress," he said. 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the BJP is not a significant player in Kerala’s Assembly elections, describing the contest as primarily between the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF. He asserted that the BJP has no presence in the state Assembly and said the real battle is between the incumbent government and the UDF challenge.

A tense situation was reported in Bahour, Puducherry, after allegations that NR Congress supporters distributed gift coupons worth Rs 15,000 to influence voters. The distribution is said to have begun early in the morning.

The issue led to a clash between DMK and NR Congress supporters, prompting police to intervene and bring the situation under control.

(Inputs by Apoorva)

Assam Minister and BJP candidate from Jagiroad, Pijush Hazarika, said the party supports indigenous Assamese Muslims but opposes illegal migrants from Bangladesh. Urging voters to turn out in large numbers, he expressed confidence that people would back development and reject the Congress.

He also accused the Congress of attempting to influence voters through money and liquor, and claimed more leaders would leave the party. Hazarika further criticised Congress leader Pawan Khera, alleging his claims were baseless and that he failed to substantiate them.

As of 11 am, voter turnout stood at 38.92% in Assam, 33.28% in Kerala, and 37.06% in Puducherry, reflecting a steady rise in polling across all three regions.

In Guwahati, family members of late singer Zubeen Garg, including his wife Garima Saikia Garg and sister Palmee Borthakur, cast their votes in the Assam Assembly elections.

Garima Saikia said she had been discharged from the hospital just a day earlier but still chose to vote, calling it a civic duty. She added that she earlier used to vote alongside her husband and felt it was important to continue participating despite her health condition.

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Sarbananda Sonowal cast his vote in Dibrugarh on Thursday as polling got underway in the Assam Assembly elections. "Together with our allies we will win around 100 seats," he said while speaking to news agency ANI. 

Congress leader Shama Mohammad cast her vote at a polling booth set up at the Government Training Centre in Kannur on Thursday, as voting continued in the Kerala Assembly elections.

"UDF is winning this election with a huge majority. You must have seen that people on the ground are saying they want change...The state is in debt, there is unemployment, there is a drug problem in the state today...BJP is so desperate that they are buying votes," she said.

Assam Chief Minister and Jalukbari candidate Himanta Biswa Sarma offered prayers at the Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on polling day, seeking blessings for the state’s progress. "It is polling day today in Assam. I had the fortune to have a darshan of Maa Kamakhya on the polling day. May Assam flourish and people of the state advance, I prayed this to Maa," he said. 

Senior Congress leader AK Antony cast his vote in the Kerala Assembly elections at Government GHS Jagathy on Thursday. Antony was accompanied by party leader M.M. Hassan at the polling booth, as voting got underway across the state.

Kerala BJP Vice President and Vattiyoorkavu constituency candidate R Sreelekha on Thursday expressed confidence of a strong electoral performance for the party in Kerala, citing high anti-incumbency against the ruling dispensation.

"I am confident that BJP will make a landmark victory in Keralam this time. This is the right time. The anti-incumbency is very high. People want NDA to come. Everywhere I go, I get a feeling that people are voting for NDA," she said. 

Speaking to India Today's Mausami Singh, Assam Congress president and Jorhat candidate Gaurav Gogoi expressed confidence that these Assembly polls will bring a change in the state and that the people were ready to decide its future.

"People are voting for a new Assam. On May 4, I am sure of witnessing this. Voters are turning out in large numbers across the state," he said.

Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar candidate Akhil Gogoi cast his vote at 188 Lakhimi Nagar LP School (West) during the Assam Assembly elections. Expressing confidence in a shift in power, he said people are unhappy with the BJP government and are looking for change, adding that the opposition is set to form the next government. Gogoi also claimed he would win the Sivasagar seat by a margin of over 50,000 votes.

Assam Congress president and Jorhat candidate Gaurav Gogoi cast his vote in the state Assembly elections, calling it an important day for Assam. He said it was a personal moment of joy as his mother accompanied him and blessed him, adding that the enthusiasm among voters reflects hope for a “new Assam” when results are declared on May 4.

Assam CM and candidate from Jalukbari, Himanta Biswa Sarma arrives at Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati to offer prayers before casting his vote in the Assembly polls. His wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma is also with him.

Assam Congress president and Jorhat candidate Gaurav Gogoi said the party aims to strengthen democracy and deepen its roots in the state. He expressed confidence that the people of Assam will play a decisive role in shaping a new future for the state.

As of 9 am, voter turnout in Assembly by-elections stood at 9.01% in Davanagere South and 11.87% in Bagalkot (Karnataka), 19.80% in Koridang (Nagaland), and 15.63% in Dharmanagar (Tripura), reflecting varied early voting trends across constituencies.

As of 9 am, voter turnout stood at 17.87% in Assam, 16.23% in Kerala, and 17.41% in Puducherry, indicating steady polling across all three states, according to the Election Commission of India.

After casting his vote, Congress MP KC Venugopal expressed confidence that the UDF will win over 100 seats, citing growing anti-incumbency against the state government. He said recent developments have put the ruling dispensation on the back foot and added that voters are likely to back the UDF’s promises and guarantees for the common people.

In a move to ease the voting process, the Election Commission has introduced a mobile deposit facility at polling stations across Puducherry, allowing voters to safely store their phones before casting their votes.

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal called on people to exercise their franchise after casting his vote, urging citizens across Kerala to step out and participate in the democratic process.

AJP candidate and electoral debutant from the Guwahati Central seat, Kunki Chowdhury, said she felt honoured to contest from a prestigious constituency and urged people to come out and vote. Emphasising the role of youth in politics, she said real change can only happen when young candidates become part of the system.

International delegates under the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) visited polling stations in Assam to witness the voting process, describing it as a celebration of democracy. They appreciated the large-scale and meticulous arrangements put in place for the conduct of the polls.

Voter turnout in Kerala reached 10.6% in the first two hours of polling, indicating a steady start to the voting process across the state.

(Inputs by Shibimol)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that false and communal propaganda would not defeat the LDF, expressing confidence in the people’s support. He said the Left has stood with the people over the past ten years and that the journey would continue, adding that the trust between the government and the public remains strong.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Thursday dismissed the need for any alliance with actor-turned-politician Vijay, underlining that the party is already aligned with the AIADMK. Speaking on the possibility of a tie-up with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Nabin said politics demands full-time commitment and questioned how much time the actor is willing to devote.

"In politics, you need to do full-time politics... Everything depends on how much time he spends on the pitch... Why do we need to form an alliance with him? We are in alliance with AIADMK," Nabin said. 

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather cast her vote in the Kerala Assembly elections on Thursday. â€œI have voted. The people of Kerala have already made up their mind — a UDF government with 100 seats will come to power,” she said.

As Kerala votes to elect its new government, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of the state to vote for one that listens, cares and delivers.

In a post on X, Kharge said Kerala's strength has been its unity in diversity and asked them not to let that strength be weakened through division or distraction.

"My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam, You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands."

Tension flared in Puducherry amid voting for the Assembly polls, with allegations of voter inducement and clashes between rival party workers. Former minister Thiagarajan, contesting from the ruling NR Congress in the Pagur constituency, was accused of distributing tokens to voters, allegedly promising cash, groceries and household items after polling.

Supporters reportedly went door-to-door early in the morning to hand out the tokens. When backers of rival candidate Senthilkumar, contesting under the Udayasooriya symbol, tried to stop the distribution, a confrontation broke out.

The situation escalated into a heated argument and scuffle, with reports of stone-pelting before those involved fled the spot, leaving the area tense.

(Inputs by Apoorva)

With the BJP aiming to capture power in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch an intense campaign push, addressing seven major rallies this week ahead of the first phase of polling on April 23.

Party sources say the outreach is aimed at converting the BJP’s strong vote share from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections into a breakthrough in the Assembly polls.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to address rallies in Asansol, Tamluk and Birbhum today—regions seen as politically crucial due to the BJP’s organisational presence and perceived anti-incumbency sentiment. He is likely to hold three more rallies on April 11 in South Dinajpur, Karwa and Jangipur, followed by a major public meeting in Siliguri on April 12.

Read more here.

(Anupam Mishra inputs)

Former Puducherry Chief Minister and Congress leader V Narayanasamy cast his vote at a polling station set up at a government school.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan votes in Kannur.

Former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, who joined the BJP last month, cast his vote in Nagaon, saying he could not transfer his voting rights after filing his nomination from Dispur. He said he would now return to his constituency to continue with the day’s activities.

Kerala Congress president and Peravoor candidate Sunny Joseph expressed confidence that the UDF will secure a majority, predicting over 100 seats and a repeat of its local body poll performance. He urged voters to exercise their franchise wisely to bring the UDF to power and counter what he termed the anti-people policies of the current government. He added that the Chief Ministerial choice would be decided in consultation with the party high command.

Joseph cast his vote at a polling booth in Kannur.

Kerala LoP and Congress leader VD Satheesan urged people to actively participate in the democratic process, calling voting a fundamental right that must be exercised. Expressing confidence in a strong performance, he said the UDF expects to win over 100 seats with a margin even bigger than in 2001.

Satheesan, who is contesting from the Paravur Assembly constituency, cast his vote at the polling station set up at Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam.

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence of an NDA victory, calling the election crucial for the state’s future. “This is an important election, and I am confident people will vote for a better future,” he told reporters after casting his vote at a polling booth in Thiruvananthapuram.

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal arrived at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, to cast his ballot as voting commenced for Kerala's Assembly elections.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma offered prayers at home ahead of polling and shared a video on X, saying, “With the blessings of God and the trust of the people, we are committed to a bright future for Assam.”

In another post, he urged voters to participate in large numbers, writing, “Today, Assam votes and each voice matters, each vote matters in the path of building a better Assam. On this festival of democracy, I urge everyone to come out and vote in large numbers to strengthen democracy and take Assam to new heights.”

As voting began in the high-stakes Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted messages for voters.

Voting for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry has begun, covering all 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry.

Polling is also underway for by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkot in Karnataka, Koridang in Nagaland, and Dharmanagar in Tripura.

Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

On the eve of the high-stakes Assembly polls in Assam, Puducherry and Kerala, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted messages on X, appealing to voters to cast their ballots for the party.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi arrives at Guruvayur Devaswom English Medium School in Guruvayur South Part booth number 137 to cast his vote.

In Nagaland, a bypoll is being held in Koridang constituency in Mokokchung district after the death of BJP MLA Imkong L Imchen. Six candidates are in the fray and the seat has 22,382 voters. 

In Karnataka, by-elections will take place in Bagalkot and Davanagere South following the deaths of Congress MLAs HY Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Over 4.9 lakh voters will vote across 603 polling stations. There are 9 candidates in Bagalkot and 25 in Davanagere South.

In Tripura, voters will head to the polls in Dharmanagar constituency after the death of BJP leader and Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen. A total of 46,142 voters will choose among six candidates.

In Kerala, 2.71 crore voters are set to decide the future of the ruling LDF, the opposition UDF, and the BJP-led NDA. Polling will be held in a single phase from 7 am to 6 pm across all 140 constituencies, where 883 candidates are in the fray.

Over 1.5 lakh security personnel have been deployed for Thursday’s polling in Assam, where 722 candidates are contesting for 126 Assembly seats. A total of 31,940 polling stations have been set up across 35 districts for the single-phase election.

Out of all booths, 126 have been marked as model polling stations. Around 4,021 booths will be run entirely by women staff, and 15 will be managed by persons with disabilities. Around 2.5 crore voters, including over 6.4 lakh first-time voters and more than 2 lakh persons with disabilities, are eligible to vote.

Senior citizens above 85 years and some disabled voters have been allowed to vote from home.

Basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, waiting areas and wheelchairs have been arranged at polling stations.

The state has declared a public holiday to ensure higher voter turnout. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

(PTI)