Election 2026: Assam, Kerala, Puducherry vote in test for Modi's BJP

Millions of Indians have begun voting in elections across two states and a federally-administered territory, in a set of contests seen as an early gauge of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Polling is under way in Assam and Kerala states, and Puducherry. The electoral cycle will extend to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu later this month, with results from all five due on 4 May. For Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), these elections are less about federal stability and more a test of its ability to make inroads in regions where it has historically struggled. For opposition parties, the polls are a test of whether they can unite against BJP dominance. According to India's Election Commission, the five regions have a combined 174 million voters - about 18% of the country's electorate. A total of 296 seats are at stake in Thursday's polls: 126 in Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry. By 15:00 India time (09:30 GMT), Assam saw the highest voter turnout at 75.91%, according to data shared by the Election Commission of India. The turnout in Kerala was 62.71% and 72.40% in Puducherry. The BJP governs Assam and is part of the ruling alliance in Puducherry, but has never formed a g