Kerala: Voting has commenced across multiple Indian regions, including Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, marking the start of a crucial electoral cycle widely viewed as a political litmus test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Two more politically significant states, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are scheduled to vote later this month, with counting across all five regions set for May 4. Together, these elections cover 824 assembly seats and involve an estimated 174 million voters, accounting for roughly 18 percent of India’s electorate.
BJP eyes expansion beyond strongholds
The BJP, currently in power in Assam and part of the ruling coalition in Puducherry, is aiming to expand its footprint into regions where it has historically struggled, particularly in southern and eastern India. The party has never formed a government independently in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or West Bengal.
புதுச்சேரியில் சட்டமன்றத் தேர்தல் நடைபெறவுள்ள நிலையில், வாக்காளர்கள் அனைவரும் பெருந்திரளாக வந்து தங்கள் வாக்குகளை செலுத்துமாறு கேட்டுக்கொள்கிறேன். குறிப்பாக, நமது இளைஞர்களுக்கும், பெண் வாக்காளர்களுக்கும் ஜனநாயக நடைமுறையை வலுப்படுத்துமாறு நான்
கோரிக்கை விடுக்கிறேன். புதுச்சேரியின்…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading a campaign centred on immigration and identity politics, with a strong focus on border-related concerns involving Bangladesh. The opposition, led by the Indian National Congress, is countering with issues of governance and economic development.
Opposition faces defining moment
For the Congress and other opposition forces, the elections represent a critical opportunity to challenge the BJP’s national dominance. Political analysts suggest the results will indicate whether opposition alliances can overcome internal divisions and present a unified front.
In Kerala, where politics traditionally alternates between the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the Left Democratic Front led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the ruling Left alliance is seeking to defy anti-incumbency after a decade in power. Campaigns here are largely focused on welfare policies and governance performance.
Regional dynamics shape contests
Each state presents a unique political landscape. In Puducherry, governed by a BJP-led alliance, election debates revolve around development, employment and ties with the central government.
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress are seeking to retain power against a strong BJP challenge. The BJP has positioned itself around national security and immigration issues, while Banerjee has framed the party as an outsider to the state’s cultural identity.
Tamil Nadu remains dominated by regional heavyweights, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the latter contesting in alliance with the BJP. This election has gained added attention with the emergence of actor-turned-politician Vijay as a third political force.
Electoral roll controversy
The elections have also been overshadowed by controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India. While the Commission maintains that the exercise aims to eliminate duplicate and outdated entries, opposition parties have alleged that millions of legitimate voters, particularly from minority communities, have been removed. The BJP and the Commission have denied these claims.
High-stakes outcome
With diverse political narratives and high voter participation expected, the results are set to have significant implications for both the ruling BJP and opposition parties. The outcome will not only determine the fate of state governments but also shape the broader national political landscape ahead of future electoral battles.
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