Polling has begun across three regions with early turnout trends and strong appeals from leadership urging greater participation, especially among youth and women voters.
PM Narendra Modi (Photo: ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on voters in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to turn out in large numbers as polling for key Assembly elections got underway, with a special appeal to young voters and women to participate actively.
The elections, seen as politically significant across regions, began at 7 am for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry. The results are scheduled to be declared on May 4.
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In a post on X, PM Modi urged voters in Assam to take part enthusiastically, describing the election as a “celebration of democracy and public duty”.
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As polling begins for the Assam Assembly elections 2026, I appeal to the people of Assam to exercise their franchise in large numbers. I hope that the state’s youth and women voters participate enthusiastically and make this election a celebration of democracy and public duty.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026
He made a similar appeal in Kerala, saying higher participation would strengthen the state’s democratic spirit.
Calling upon the people of Keralam to vote in large numbers in the 2026 Assembly elections. Record participation will add vigour to Keralam’s democratic spirit. I particularly request the youth and women of the state to step forward and vote in large numbers.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026
Extending the message to Puducherry, the Prime Minister stressed that every vote would shape the Union Territory’s future and called for record participation, particularly from youth and women.
As the Puducherry Assembly elections commence, I urge every voter to come out and participate in record numbers. I especially appeal to our youth and to women voters to strengthen the process of democracy. Every vote matters in shaping the future of Puducherry.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026
In Kerala, around 2.71 crore voters are eligible to decide the next government. Election activity began well before sunrise, with officials setting up across 30,471 polling stations and carrying out mock drills by early morning. Nearly two lakh voters had already cast their ballots through home voting.
Even after campaigning wrapped up, candidates were still out on the ground in those last few hours, reaching out to undecided voters and key local voices, a sign of just how high the stakes are in this election.
In Assam, voting is being held in a single phase and will continue until 5 pm. Early reports indicated steady queues outside polling booths. The contest is largely between the BJP, which is seeking a third straight term, and the Congress, which is aiming to return to power after 2016.
Polling also began smoothly in Puducherry, where voters are choosing representatives for the 30-member Assembly. The Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India NR Congress under Chief Minister N Rangasamy, with support from the BJP. Authorities said arrangements were in place to ensure a free and fair election.
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