The 2026 Assembly election cycle has kicked off with a record voter turnout in the first phase, with Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam witnessing a peaceful polling process.
Assam recorded a voter turnout of 85.38 per cent, surpassing its previous high, while Puducherry set a new record with 89.83 per cent participation. Kerala reported an overall turnout of 78.03 per cent.
Notably, female voter participation outpaced male turnout in both Assam and Kerala.
West Bengal elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. PM Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of fostering lawlessness.
Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with votes to be counted on May 4. The upcoming elections are set to see a keen contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance.
