High Voter Turnout Across Assam (85.04%), Kerala (77.38%) and Puducherry (89.08%) in Peaceful Assembly Polls

Thiruvananthapuram/Guwahati/Puducherry, April 2026 : Assembly elections held across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on Thursday witnessed an impressive voter turnout, with polling conducted largely peacefully under tight security arrangements. Only minor and isolated incidents were reported, reflecting smooth electoral management across regions.

According to provisional data available around 7 p.m., Puducherry recorded the highest turnout at 89.08 per cent, followed by Assam at 85.04 per cent, while Kerala registered 77.38 per cent participation. These figures are expected to be updated further by the Election Commission as final tallies come in.

The turnout in all three regions has already surpassed the figures recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections. Puducherry had then recorded 83.42 per cent, Assam 82.42 per cent, and Kerala approximately 76 per cent, indicating a clear rise in voter participation this year. The higher turnout is being attributed to increased voter awareness, improved polling arrangements, and strong mobilisation efforts by political parties.

Polling began at 7 a.m. and continued steadily through the day, with participation picking up pace after a moderate start in the morning. Long queues were visible at polling booths across urban and rural areas, with voters patiently waiting to cast their ballots even close to closing hours. Special arrangements ensured that senior citizens and persons with disabilities could vote comfortably.

In Kerala, the day was marked by disciplined and enthusiastic participation. A notable moment came from Kalamasseri in Ernakulam district, where a newly married couple was seen arriving at a polling station to vote, symbolising civic commitment. Assam, on the other hand, witnessed particularly strong turnout in rural and tribal areas, with first-time voters showing significant enthusiasm.

Puducherry offered a unique visual highlight as a robot greeted voters at a polling station in the Raj Bhavan constituency. The machine, carrying a tray of petals, welcomed people and encouraged them to participate in the democratic process, drawing widespread attention on social media.

The elections covered 140 Assembly seats in Kerala, 126 in Assam, and 30 in Puducherry. In addition, by-elections were conducted in parts of Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura. Upcoming polling phases are scheduled in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal later this month, with counting for all elections set for May 4.

Security was a key focus throughout the day, with heavy deployment of central forces, state police, and special monitoring teams. Authorities prioritised preventing booth capturing, voter intimidation, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct. While minor complaints such as EVM glitches and local disruptions were reported, swift responses ensured that polling was not significantly affected.

The elections were shaped by diverse political narratives. In Assam, issues such as regional identity, migration, and development dominated discourse. In Kerala, the contest remains largely bipolar between the ruling Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front. Puducherry witnessed a multi-cornered contest centred on local governance and development concerns.

With strong voter turnout and largely peaceful polling, the stage is now set for a decisive verdict. The results on May 4 will determine the political future of these regions, reflecting the collective will of millions of voters who participated in one of the most significant democratic exercises of the year.