New Delhi: Early trends in the Assembly elections 2026 show steady voter participation, with Assam recording 38.92 per cent turnout, Kerala 33.28 per cent, and Puducherry 37.06 per cent in the first four hours of polling on Thursday.

The figures, released by the Election Commission of India, reflect voter turnout as of 11 am, indicating strong early participation in the Assam elections 2026, Kerala elections 2026, and Puducherry elections 2026.

Polling began at 7 am across all three regions and is scheduled to continue until 5 pm. Voting is being held for 126 Assembly seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry, with results set to be declared on May 4.

In Kerala, over 2.71 crore voters are eligible to decide the next government. The polling process began well before dawn, with election officials activating all 30,471 polling stations by 5.30 am and conducting mandatory mock polls to ensure smooth operations. Notably, nearly two lakh voters have already cast their ballots through home voting, boosting overall participation in the Kerala voter turnout 2026.

Despite the end of formal campaigning, candidates across major alliances carried out last-minute outreach efforts, highlighting the high stakes and intense competition in these elections.

In Assam, the Assam Assembly elections 2026 are witnessing a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress is seeking a comeback after losing power in 2016. Long queues were reported at several polling stations from early morning, reflecting strong voter enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, polling in Puducherry is progressing smoothly, with voters turning out steadily across the Union Territory. The election is significant as the region is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India N.R. Congress under Chief Minister N Rangasamy, supported by the BJP.

Officials said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure free and fair polling across all constituencies, as voters continue to participate in large numbers in this closely watched electoral contest.

IANS