PM Modi Urges Turnout As Voting Begins in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry
Polling began on Wednesday in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry for the 2026 Assembly elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging voters to turn out in large numbers. The voting phase is being seen as politically significant, with more than 5 crore voters eligible to decide the future of governments in two States and one Union Territory.
PM Modi Appeals For Higher Voter Turnout
As voting opened, Prime Minister Modi appealed to citizens in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to participate in large numbers and strengthen democracy through their vote. His message came as polling started across the three regions, with authorities putting in place security and monitoring arrangements for a smooth process. The appeal was aimed at encouraging maximum participation in a key phase of the 2026 election cycle.
Assam Kerala Puducherry Voting Underway
The elections are being held in a single phase in all three regions. Kerala is voting for all 140 Assembly seats, Assam for 126 seats, and Puducherry for 30 seats. Polling is being conducted from morning till evening, with officials deploying electronic voting machines, security personnel and webcasting arrangements at many booths. In Puducherry, over 9.5 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots, while the combined electorate across the three regions exceeds 5.3 crore.
High Stakes In 2026 Assembly Elections
The elections are crucial for all major parties, as the outcomes in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will shape the political landscape ahead of the next national contests. In Kerala, the ruling Left Democratic Front faces a challenge from the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the BJP-led NDA. Assam remains a major test for the BJP, while Puducherry is witnessing a battle that could determine whether the current ruling alliance retains power.
