Assembly Elections 2026: Voting Ends In Assam At 84.42% Turnout, Kerala Sees 77.4% Turnout Till 5 PM

As polling begins for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to voters to participate in large numbers, encouraging especially youth and women to turn out and make the exercise a “celebration of democracy and public duty.”

In a separate message for Kerala, the Prime Minister called for record voter participation, saying higher turnout would strengthen the state’s democratic spirit. He again urged young voters and women to actively take part in the electoral process.

Addressing voters in Puducherry, Modi appealed for maximum participation as polling commenced, emphasising that every vote plays a role in shaping the region’s future, with a special call to youth and women to come forward and vote.

Polling is underway in Kerala amid a high-stakes political contest, with long queues reported at several booths across the state. A total of 2.71 crore voters are eligible to vote, including 1.39 crore women, 1.32 crore men, and 273 transgender voters, to decide the fate of 833 candidates.

Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan cast his vote in Paravoor and expressed confidence that the UDF will win over 100 seats.

Keralam BJP president and Nemom candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar was seen standing in a queue at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram as he waited to cast his vote.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi cast his vote at Guruvayur Devaswom English Medium School, South Part booth number 137, as polling continues for the Keralam Assembly Elections 2026.

Polling for all 126 Assam assembly constituencies began Thursday to decide the fate of 722 candidates. The ruling BJP is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to regain power after 2016.

Voting, held in a single phase, started at 7 am and will continue until 5 pm. Long queues of voters were reported outside polling stations from early morning.

A total electorate of 2.50 crore, including 1.25 crore women and 318 third-gender voters, can cast their votes across 31,490 polling stations in the state.

Voting is underway in two Karnataka Assembly segments—Bagalkot and Davanagere South—following the deaths of senior Congress MLAs H Y Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. While these by-elections are unlikely to immediately alter state politics, they are being closely watched as a prestige battle: the ruling Congress aims to retain both seats, while the BJP seeks to capture them amid reported internal leadership tensions in the Congress.

Voting commenced Thursday across the union territory of Puducherry, with 9.50 lakh voters set to decide the fortunes of the ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc. Polling began at 7 am, and long queues were reported at stations in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.

The union territory has 9.50 lakh voters across 30 constituencies—Puducherry (23), Karaikal (5), Mahe (1), and Yanam (1)—with women voters (5.03 lakh) outnumbering men (4.46 lakh). There are 1,099 polling stations, including 209 identified as vulnerable. A total of 294 candidates are in the fray.

The main contest is between the NDA, led by AINRC, and the INDIA bloc comprising Congress, DMK, and VCK. The entry of actor-politician Vijay’s TVK and Seeman’s NTK has added new dynamics to the race.

BJP candidate from Dispur, Pradyut Bordoloi, cast his vote at Morikalang High School during the Assam Assembly Elections 2026.

Speaking after voting, Bordoloi noted that although he is contesting from Dispur, his vote is registered in Nagaon, and he had come specifically to cast it. He also criticised Congress, saying internal “dirty tricks” by party leaders, including Pawan Khera, were unfair and have backfired.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cast his vote at RC Amala School in Pinarayi, Kannur district, saying, “This election will determine the future of Kerala.”

He emphasised continuing the government’s achievements over the past ten years and noted that public sentiment favors continuity: “Cutting across party lines, people are with the LDF to continue the development programmes initiated by the government.”

State minister and LDF candidate PA Mohammed Riyas, after casting his vote, said, “We are confident LDF will win again, people of the state understand that it's important for development to continue.”

Union Minister Suresh Gopi said, “This is a very important day for Keralam… The BJP has done solidly well. They have reached the last grain of the democratic campaign engineering. All those areas they have reached. The last bit they have touched.”

“We can only wait for results. You know very well what the change is before and after,” he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged people in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry to vote in record numbers as Assembly elections are underway.

“I request the people in these States and UT to vote in record numbers, particularly the young voters. Your vote will help in bringing good governance, prosperity and peace in the states/UT going to polls today,” he said.

As Kerala votes to elect a new government, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged people to vote for one that “listens, cares and delivers.”

Union Minister of State George Kurian cast his vote in Kottayam as polling continues in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.

BJP leader Mrinal Saikia arrived to cast his vote at a polling booth in Khumtai, describing the day as an “election festival.”

“It feels good today — it's like a festival… I would like to appeal to everyone to come out and participate in this democratic festival. Everyone should cast their vote,” he said.

Puducherry BJP state president V P Ramalingam cast his vote and urged young people to perform their democratic duty.

After casting his vote, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said there was a large turnout early in the day and thanked voters for participating.

“We have campaigned hard… We have put forth a clear, positive message of ‘Viksit Keralam’. We have fought a very positive campaign… We are hopeful that the people will support this call for change,” he said.

BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Gupta arrived at a polling booth in Guwahati to cast his vote and urged citizens to participate in the “festival of democracy.”

As polling continues in Assam, Congress leader Durlabh Chamua said there is a strong wave in favour of the party in his constituency.

“Polling is going on… Gaurav Gogoi will be the CM,” he said.

Congress MP KC Venugopal cast his vote at the Higher Secondary School in Thiruvampady as polling continues in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.

Congress leader and former Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy cast his vote at a polling booth on Mission Street.

According to PTI, he said the situation was “very good” based on feedback from candidates and workers across constituencies and expressed confidence that the INDIA alliance will form the government. He also urged people to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right.

Congress MP Hibi Eden cast his vote in Ernakulam and urged youngsters to participate in the polling.

He said the “politically aware people of Kerala will vote for the UDF” and added that there is anti-incumbency against the LDF, reported PTI.

AJP candidate from Guwahati Central, Kunki Chowdhury, after casting her vote, said she was grateful for the opportunity to contest from a “very prestigious constituency” and called on people to come out and vote, according to PTI.

“It feels good that young candidates have come out to change the system… we have to become a part of the system if we want to bring a real change,” she said.

In Hyderabad, BJP leader NV Subhash accused the Congress of making false promises during elections and failing to deliver after coming to power.

He claimed that even after 26 months under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, none of the party’s promises in Telangana have been fulfilled, and criticised what he called a “false narrative” by Congress leaders.

Malayalam actor Renji Panicker cast his vote in Kochi as polling continues in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.

Assam minister and Dhekiyajuli candidate Ashok Singhal said after casting his vote that the atmosphere was “very positive” and expressed confidence in a strong mandate for the BJP.

He said the party expects a “historic mandate” under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and added that the BJP candidate will win from the constituency by a huge margin.

State BJP leader V Muraleedharan said the NDA is aiming to form the government in Kerala, asserting that it is essential for the state’s development.

He added that the election would be historic, claiming the NDA will decide the political future of Kerala.

According to the Election Commission of India's ECINET app, the voter turnout in Assam was recorded at 17.87 per cent, 16.23 per cent in Kerala and 17.41 per cent in Puducherry till 9.00 am.

The 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).

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

(ANI)

Governor of Kerala Rajendra Arlekar addressed the media after casting his vote, saying, “I have done my very sacred duty in this democracy. I am very fortunate that I am voting for the first time in the Assembly Elections of the state of Kerala. I hope that always good people will get elected. The government we want will come to power, no doubt. Democracy is very deep-rooted, not only in our soil but in our hearts as well..."

via Onmanorama

Kerala Industries and Law Minister P Rajeev cast his vote with his family at a polling station in Thrippunithura. He is contesting as a CPI(M) candidate from the Kalamassery Assembly constituency.

Thiruvananthapuram Collector Anu Kumari cast her vote at a school in the city and lauded the smooth polling process. She expressed hope that voter turnout will cross 80–85 per cent.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor cast his vote at Government Lower Primary School, Cotton Hill, in Vazhuthacaud as polling continues in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.

Changanassery Archdiocese Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil cast his vote and said he has faith in the ongoing discussions on FCRA amendments, adding that he will speak more on the issue after the elections.

Garima Garg, wife of late singer Zubeen Garg, cast her vote at Dakhin Gaon High School polling station in Guwahati. She expressed hope that the election process would reflect the will of the people and ensure justice.

Zubeen Garg’s sister also urged voters to stay aware and responsible while voting, saying people must choose carefully to elect a government of their choice.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said overall voter turnout in Kerala could surpass previous records by the end of the day.

“That’s because people of Kerala want to vote for a change,” he said.

Congress candidate from the Dispur assembly seat, Mira Borthakur, cast her vote in Guwahati as polling continues in the Assam Assembly Elections 2026.

Assam recorded a voter turnout of 38.92 per cent in the first four hours of polling for the 126-member Assembly, with voting underway since 7 am.

The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress is aiming to reclaim power. A total of 722 candidates are in the fray in what is largely a direct contest between the two alliances.

-PTI

Palakkad Town South police have filed an FIR against members of the BJP-led NDA campaign over a “cash-for-vote” allegation linked to candidate Sobha Surendran.

The case relates to an April 8 incident in Kannadi, where campaign workers were accused of distributing cash to voters. Authorities acted after a video surfaced, triggering a Model Code probe.

Surendran has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated.

A 62-year-old man died after casting his vote at a polling station in Vaniampara on Thursday.

The deceased, identified as Vinodan from Ramanchira, had queued for nearly an hour before voting at EKM UP School. He collapsed around 10.45 am while leaving the booth.

He was rushed to a government hospital but was declared dead. Police said a case will be registered and an investigation initiated.

-PTI

BJP Puducherry president and Raj Bhavan constituency candidate VP Ramalingam cast his vote at a polling station in Heritage Town.

He expressed confidence that the NDA will return to power, citing projects, employment opportunities and infrastructure development as key factors.

Kerala recorded a voter turnout of 33.28 per cent in the first four hours of polling for the Assembly elections, with voting underway across all 140 constituencies since 7 am.

Ernakulam district reported the highest turnout at 35.86 per cent, while Thripunithura recorded the highest constituency turnout at 40.6 per cent. Vengara saw the lowest at 33.28 per cent.

-PTI

Garima Saikia Garg said she turned up to vote despite being unwell, a day after being discharged from hospital.

“I used to go to vote along with Zubeen… It is our duty to cast a vote. So, I am physically unwell, but I have come here to vote,” she said.

She added, “We are fighting for it… May there be a result soon,” referring to justice for Zubeen Garg.

Puducherry recorded 37.06% turnout by 11 am, with steady polling since morning and strong participation in rural areas.

Voters, including elderly citizens, turned out in large numbers. A robot was deployed at one booth to welcome voters.

CM N Rangaswamy, A Namassivayam and V Narayanasamy were among those who cast their votes early.

-PTI

Kerala High Court judge Justice Ramachandran cast his vote in Kochi, calling it a “constitutional duty.”

Kerala minister K Rajan cast his vote at Anthikad High School in Thrissur as polling continues in the Assembly elections.

Singer Papon cast his vote in Guwahati and urged young voters to turn out in large numbers.

“I urge the youth to come out and cast their vote… We must vote because every vote counts,” he said, adding that arrangements were “wonderful.”

-PTI

UDF candidate Senapati Venu and LDF candidate KK Jayachandran cast their votes in Udumbanchola, Idukki, as polling continues in Kerala Assembly elections.

-PTI

BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary and his wife Sewli, who is making her poll debut, cast their votes in Kokrajhar during the Assam Assembly elections.

A voter travelled from Dubai despite facing travel difficulties to cast their vote in Majeshwar, Kasaragod.

The voter said it is a duty everyone must fulfil, highlighting the importance of participation in the democratic process.

Kerala recorded 49.7% voter turnout till 1.30 pm, with four districts crossing the 50% mark: Ernakulam (52.94%), Kozhikode (50.10%), Palakkad (51.27%) and Thrissur (50.48%).

According to the Election Commission, 60 constituencies have already seen polling above 50%.

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal cast his vote in Hojai during the Assam Assembly elections, exercising his democratic right.

In Pathanamthitta, a newly-married couple made a special stop at a polling station on Thursday, heading straight from their wedding to cast their votes in the Kerala Assembly elections.

-PTI

Brisk voting continued in Kerala’s Assembly elections on Thursday, with nearly 50% of voters having cast their ballots across 140 constituencies by 1 pm, according to the Election Commission.

-PTI

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar cast his vote on Thursday and urged the public to perform their “sacred duty” by exercising their franchise in the Assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) while addressing a public rally in West Bengal, accusing the party of “weaponising fear” and unleashing “atrocities” on the people for the past 15 years.

Referring to the recent developments in Malda, Modi alleged that the TMC, in a “state of panic”, had made a “monumental blunder” by targeting the CRPF and abusing the country’s security forces. He said the people of Bengal would give a “fitting reply” to the ruling party.

Drawing a parallel with the Left Front era, the Prime Minister said the people of Bengal had earlier defeated the “terror of the Leftists” and were now preparing to end what he described as the “reign of fear” under the TMC. He asserted that the BJP’s campaign in the state was centred on restoring law and order and said, “the true rule of law in Bengal will commence after the 4th of May.”

Modi further warned that after May 4, every act of “hooliganism and lawlessness” would be held accountable, signalling a strong law-and-order pitch as the campaign intensifies ahead of the Assembly polls

Kerala State Legislative Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer casts his vote. He is a CPI(M) legislator representing Thalassery and the 24th Speaker of the Assembly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday intensified the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of having “doubly betrayed” the youth of the state.

Addressing an election rally in Haldia, Modi alleged that the ruling party had driven private investment out of West Bengal, resulting in a severe shortage of employment opportunities. “There are no jobs in the private sector, and even where opportunities exist, they are being given to infiltrators. Government jobs are being looted by TMC leaders,” he said.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the raped-murdered RG Kar hospital doctor and the BJP candidate from Panihati, filed her nomination papers on Thursday.

She was accompanied by senior BJP leader and former Union minister Smriti Irani and district party leaders.

-PTI

According to Election Commission, Assam saw an increase in voter turnout, with 75.91% recorded till 3 pm.

According to Election Commission figures, Puducherry registered a voter turnout of 72.40 per cent till 3 pm. Kerala, meanwhile, recorded 62.71 per cent. Earlier in the day, Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar had said the voting trend suggested that the state could witness around 90 per cent turnout by the close of polling.

Assembly polling across Kerala progressed largely peacefully, but protests were reported at several booths on Thursday over allegations of bogus voting.

A minor scuffle broke out between Congress and BJP activists at Manalur in Thrissur district after UDF candidate T N Prathapan arrived in the area.

According to police, BJP activists prevented people accompanying Prathapan from entering the booth premises, leading to the scuffle.

-PTI

“All 3173 booths in Thiruvananthapuram friendly for specially-abled people”, says Collector Anu Kumari.

"We are volunteering ourselves to aid them at each polling booth," she added.

-PTI

After casting his vote in Aranmula for the Kerala Assembly elections on Thursday, Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III said that in a democracy, the final decision rests with the people.

“In any election, voters are king, they will decide who to vote for,” he said, underlining the importance of the electorate’s choice in the ongoing polls.

Referring to the issue of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), the Catholicos said voters were aware of the matter and would take it into consideration while exercising their franchise. “People know and understand about FCRA, they will keep it in mind while voting,” he added.

-PTI

MLA and TMC candidate Sherman Ali Ahmed casts his vote in Barpeta. He is an MLA, elected from the Baghbar constituency.

-PTI

First-time voters in Kerala are being welcomed with a sweet touch; servings of the state’s famous halwa—as part of the campaign for encouraging greater youth participation in the polling process.

- South First 

The high-stakes Nemom Assembly constituency in Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest voter turnout in the district at 65.17% as of 3 pm. The contest is keenly watched, with BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the LDF’s V Sivankutty, and the UDF’s K S Sabarinadhan in the fray.

State Congress president and Thattanchavady candidate V Vaithilingam expressed confidence in Congress's prospects, saying the day’s polling had been favourable, particularly for the Congress. According to Vaithilingam DMK-led alliance was performing well, he also voiced confidence that they would form the government on May 4.

- ANI

A polling officer at a booth in the Mananthavady constituency was removed from election duty on Thursday following allegations that he attempted to influence voters during polling.

The incident was reported from booth number 199 at St Joseph’s School in Cherukattur. According to complaints raised by Congress workers, the officer allegedly urged voters waiting in the queue and inside the booth to cast their votes in favour of the “lotus” symbol (for BJP).

Congress workers lodged a complaint with the authorities. After a preliminary inquiry found the allegations prima facie credible, officials removed the officer and appointed a replacement to ensure the smooth conduct of polling.

- South First

Kerala records 75.01 % Voter turnout by 5 pm. With one hour left for polling to conclude, the voter turnout has already surpassed the 2021 figure of 74.06 per cent in Kerala.

According to figures cited by DIPR and ECI, the Assam voter turnout stands at 84.42 % till 5:00 PM 

- Assam Tribune

An estimated 84.42 per cent voter turnout was recorded as polling ended at 5 PM on Thursday in all 126 assembly constituencies of Assam, surpassing the previous 82.04 per cent voting in the 2021 elections, officials said to PTI.

Polling for the 140 Assembly seats in Kerala concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with people still in queues outside many polling stations. Those present at polling stations were given tokens will be allowed to vote, PTI news agency reported.

Long queues were seen outside several polling booths across multiple constituencies in Kerala even after 6 pm. Polling officials issued tokens to voters who had reached the stations before the 6 pm deadline, allowing them to cast their votes.

As a result, polling is expected to continue beyond 7 pm in some constituencies.

EVMs were sealed after completion of voting in Jorhat, Assam.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor after voting for the Kerala Assembly elections said on a X post:

"Voted today in the Kerala Assembly elections in the Thiruvananthapuram Central Constituency. The turnout when I voted this morning was already impressive; as of 5pm it is well into the mid-70s percent. This suggests that large numbers of ordinary people have come out to take their political destiny into their own hands. If so, they will vote for change… And the media turnout at my polling booth was equally impressive!!"