Polling is currently underway in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry as part of the highly significant Assembly elections that are set to shape the political future of these states and have ramifications for national politics. These elections are closely watched by political analysts and citizens alike, as they test the strength of various alliances and political strategies leading up to the 2026 national elections. The elections began at 7 am and will run until 6 pm, with elaborate security arrangements in place, including webcasting and special voter facilities, to ensure the process is smooth and transparent. Here’s a detailed look at each state’s contest.
Assam: BJP's Hat-Trick and the Opposition's Fight Back
Assam, with its 126-seat Assembly, is witnessing a fierce battle between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Congress-led opposition alliance. The key player in the BJP’s camp is Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is looking to secure a third consecutive term, a "hat-trick" for the party in the state. On the other side, the Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, is attempting to reclaim the state, which it once ruled.
The contest in Assam is not just a two-party affair. In addition to the BJP and Congress, regional players such as the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), headed by Badruddin Ajmal, and the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), led by Lurinjyoti Gogoi, have also entered the fray. The campaign has revolved around a mix of identity politics and governance issues. One of the focal points of the election has been the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with the opposition accusing the government of attempting to disenfranchise voters. Another issue that has gained prominence is the debate around illegal infiltration, with the BJP focusing on the issue of undocumented migrants, while the opposition accuses the ruling party of polarizing the electorate.
Contests to watch include Jalukbari, where Sarma is seeking his sixth consecutive victory, and Jorhat, where Gaurav Gogoi, currently serving as a Member of Parliament (MP), is making his Assembly debut. These constituencies will witness an intense showdown between the BJP and Congress, with the regional parties adding a layer of complexity to the race.
Kerala: The LDF vs. UDF with the BJP Trying to Expand
In Kerala, the battle is set between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), spearheaded by Congress. The BJP, a minor player in the state, is attempting to expand its footprint, though it remains a distant third in this contest.
The LDF is aiming for a hat-trick, hoping to secure a third consecutive term. The party is banking on its record of welfare schemes, social security measures, and its governance track record. Meanwhile, the UDF is challenging the government on issues such as unemployment, rising prices, and allegations of financial mismanagement. The election in Kerala is largely focused on these governance-related issues, with voters weighing the successes and failures of the two major fronts.
Key contests include Pinarayi Vijayan’s attempt to retain his Dharmadam seat in Kannur, which has long been a stronghold of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M). Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, undefeated in Paravur since 2001, will also be vying for re-election. A notable seat to watch is Nemom, where Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar is contesting. Nemom was the site of BJP's first-ever victory in Kerala in 2016, but the Left retook the seat in 2021. Additionally, former Union Minister and Congress leader Chandy Oommen, the son of the late Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, will be contesting in Puthuppally, a seat traditionally held by his father for over five decades. The stakes are high, and Kerala’s electorate is deeply divided along party lines.
Puducherry: NDA's Bid for Retention and the Rising Influence of TVK
In Puducherry, the political contest revolves around the NDA, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, and the opposition INDIA bloc, consisting of Congress, DMK, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). The NDA is seeking to retain power by highlighting its "double-engine" governance model. Chief Minister Rangasamy is contesting from both Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies, aiming to keep control of the Union Territory.
The opposition, led by Congress and the DMK, is campaigning on issues such as local autonomy and its disagreements with the Centre. One of the most significant developments in the Puducherry elections is the entry of actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which is attempting to emerge as a third force in the region. TVK’s entry has added an interesting twist to the contest, and the results will reveal if the party can capture the attention of Puducherry’s voters, particularly in a state that has seen its political landscape dominated by traditional parties.
As with the other two states, the election in Puducherry is expected to be closely contested, and significant attention is being paid to the deployment of security measures, with over 200 polling stations identified as vulnerable and drones being used to monitor potential violations. The authorities have also ensured voter-friendly measures, including assistance for elderly and differently-abled voters.
Bypolls: A Parallel Contest
Apart from the main elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, by-elections are also being held in five Assembly constituencies across India. These include Ponda (Goa), Bagalkot and Davanagere South (Karnataka), Koridang (Nagaland), and Dharmanagar (Tripura), triggered by the deaths of sitting MLAs. These by-elections will also attract significant attention, as they could impact the composition of the respective state Assemblies.
