Polling Day in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry: 296 Seats at Stake on April 9

The high-decibel electioneering for the 2026 Assembly Elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry officially draws to a close this evening. After weeks of intense rallies, roadshows, and door-to-door canvassing, the silence period begins as candidates make their final push to consolidate voter support before the single-phase polling this Thursday. Voters across these three regions will head to the booths on April 9, 2026, to decide the fate of 296 assembly seats. ​In the final hours of the campaign, political heavyweights have descended upon key constituencies. ​In Assam: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and opposition leader Gaurav Gogoi have been crisscrossing the state, focusing on issues of development, identity, and the implementation of recent welfare schemes. ​In Kerala: The LDF is campaigning on its "pro-people" governance record, seeking a historic third term, while the UDF and NDA are highlighting anti-incumbency and local administrative challenges. ​In Puducherry: The battle remains a tight contest between the incumbent alliance and the opposition, with both sides promising enhanced central assistance and infrastructure growth. With campaigning ending 48 hours before the conclusion of polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued strict directives: ​No Political Ads: No political advertisements can be published in newspapers or electronic media without MCMC pre-certification. ​Dry Days: Sale of liquor is prohibited until the conclusion of polls to ensure a peaceful voting process. ​Security Deployment: Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been stationed at sensitive booths across all three regions to prevent any untoward incidents. ​Voter Note: Counting for all seats, including those in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, is scheduled for May 4, 2026.