
Inked and proud: An elderly woman shows her ink-marked finger after casting vote during the Assam Assembly elections, at a polling station, in Guwahati
| Photo Credit:
PTI
ssembly Elections Voting LIVE Updates: Kerala, Assam, and Pondicherry went to the polls on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in a single-phase assembly election. Voting began at 7 am and will continue until 5 pm., with results scheduled for May 4.
In Assam, 126 seats are up for grabs as the BJP seeks a third consecutive term. Kerala’s 140 constituencies see a three-way contest among the CPI(M)-led LDF, Congress-led UDF, and BJP-led NDA. Puducherry is voting for 30 seats, where the AINRC-led coalition with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, backed by the BJP, currently governs.
Also Read: Tempers flare, stakes soar as Assam, Kerala, Puducherry head to polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the people of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the assembly elections in the two states and the Union Territory.
In separate messages in English, besides Assamese, Malayalam and Tamil — the regional languages of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry respectively — PM Modi particularly requested the youth and the women to step forward and vote in large numbers.
Elections 2026: Voter turnout at 9 am
- Assam – 17.87%
- Keralam – 16.23%
- Puducherry – 17.41%
(Source: ECI)
- April 9, 2026 11:02
BJP’s Anil Antony cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram, calls Keralam polls ‘decisive’
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anil K Antony on Thursday cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram as voting is underway in the state for the assembly election.
He said, “This election is going to be one of those decisive elections in Keralam’s history…After this election, you will see BJP emerge as a prominent pole in Keralam.” (ANI)
- April 9, 2026 11:01
Puducherry Elections 2026: CM Rangaswamy arrives in style
Puducherry CM Rangaswamy’s two‑wheeler entry steals the show at polling booth, becomes a viral moment.Watch his entry here
- April 9, 2026 10:55
Kerala Poll Watch: Will morning momentum sustain beyond 11 am?
It remains to be seen whether the brisk polling can sustain after the usually peak morning window of 9 am to 11 am. Cloudy conditions may allow it to some extent in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, though it remains sultry and humid in the two cities.
- April 9, 2026 10:46
Nitish Kumar to quit as Bihar CM, say sources
Meanwhile in Bihar, reports coming in that Nitish Kumar to quit as Bihar CM on April 14. And new CM to be sworn in on April 15th or 16th. Nitish to fly to Delhi this afternoon. He is expected to take Rajya Sabha oath on April 10th.
- April 9, 2026 10:43
Kerala Assembly Elections: Ernakulam leads with 21% voting, three hours in
Ernakulam district the first in Kerala to cross 21 per cent of polling at the end of three and hours since the exercise began at 7 am.
- April 9, 2026 10:41
Assam Elections 2026: Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi votes in Jorhat
Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, contesting for the Jorhat Assembly seat, casts his vote amidst tight security .
- April 9, 2026 10:38
Assam Polls: Himanta Biswa Sarma, chief minister of Assam, along with his wife and family visited Kamakhya temple to seek blessings.
After praying at Kamakhya Temple, Himanta Biswas says it was important to seek blessings on the election day. He is contesting from Jalukbari constituency and after Kamakhya visit, he is reportedly proceeding to Maa Manasa temple before casting his vote.
- April 9, 2026 10:37
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Thrissur polling gets boost from student ‘special police officers’
Thrissur is generally known for orderly polling. However, in a polling booth in the city, ‘special police officers’ were on duty lending a hand to the election officials, assisting the elderly and clarifying voter queries. An election official said “deployment of these student officers is a first across constituencies”. As a key security measure, special CCTV webcasting devices have also been installed.
- April 9, 2026 10:36
Actor Mammootty arrives at polling booth to cast his vote
- April 9, 2026 10:33
Assam Polls 2026: Senior citizens turn out early in Assam polls to vote
Women and senior citizens were early to turn up.
Pic Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar
- April 9, 2026 10:31
Kerala Assembly Polls: Absolute votes take center stage in post-SIR poll analysis
Post-SIR, rather than polling percentage, it will be the absolute number of votes that would decide the ultimate trend of voting, according to observers.
- April 9, 2026 10:30
BJP’s star candidates: R Sreelekha and Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Focus
- April 9, 2026 10:26
Kerala CM ‘anti-people’, says KC Venugopal
- April 9, 2026 10:24
Keralam Assembly elections: Over 16% voter turnout recorded till 9 am
- April 9, 2026 10:23
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Ramesh Chennithala spots UDF wave, bids ‘goodbye’ to Pinarayi-led LDF
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala finds a ‘wave’ favoring Congress-led UDF in polling so far in Kerala, and proceeds to ‘bid goodbye’ to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and ruling LDF.
- April 9, 2026 10:19
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Brisk morning polls push Kerala turnout to 20.2%
Kerala as a whole records 20.2 per cent after three hours of polling in what observers says is brisk polling.
- April 9, 2026 10:18
Assam Assembly Election 2026: Assam sees strong voter turnout in key districts
businessline on Instagram: “In the high-stakes election, the ruling BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress seeks to wrest power after being ousted in 2016.
Polling, being held in a single phase, began at 7 am and will conclude at 5 pm. Long queues of voters were seen outside polling stations from early morning.
An electorate of 2.50 crore, including 1.25 crore women and 318 from the third gender, can exercise their franchise in 31,490 polling stations across the state.
Video: Special arrangement
[Voting, Assam Assembly polls, India, Election Commission]”
7 likes, 0 comments – hindu_businessline on April 8, 2026: “In the high-stakes election, the ruling BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress seeks to wrest power after being ousted in 2016.
Polling, being held in a single phase, began at 7 am and will conclude at 5 pm. Long queues of voters were seen outside polling stations from early morning.
An electorate of 2.50 crore, including 1.25 crore women and 318 from the third gender, can exercise their franchise in 31,490 polling stations across the state.
Video: Special arrangement
[Voting, Assam Assembly polls, India, Election Commission]”.
- April 9, 2026 10:13
Kerala polls 2026: Early birds make their mark in Ernakulam recording 20% polling at 10 am
A number of seats in Ernakulam district record 20 per cent polling and above at 10 am. Many seats where the BJP hopes to make a mark also register brisk polling, especially in Thiruvananthapuram district.
- April 9, 2026 10:06
Keralam Elections: “This election will decide the future of the state; everyone, including our rivals, Kerala must prosper at the same pace”, says Pinarayi Vijayan
- April 9, 2026 10:01
Assam Elections: AGP MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury says, “The election process is going on. There may be minor issues, which are common in elections, but overall, voting is taking place peacefully.”
- April 9, 2026 09:57
Keralam’s Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan casts his vote
- April 9, 2026 09:56
Assam polls: Voting underway in Guwahati
People show their voting cards as they wait in a queue to cast their votes during the Assam Assembly elections, at a polling station, in Guwahati.
- April 9, 2026 09:55
Keralam Assembly elections LIVE | CPM General Secretary MA Baby casts his vote in Thiruvananthapuram
- April 9, 2026 09:53
Is SIR an incentive to vote this time? Yes, according to some voters in Thiruvananthapuram
What the SIR has come up with are only’real’ voters ‘with a face.’ Coupled with the prospect of strong multi-cornered contests, many of them have been only eager to come out and exercise their franchise.
This explains the spirit with which urban voters are coming out to vote in traditional laggard seats in Thiruvananthapuram, they add.
- April 9, 2026 09:52
Assam Assembly Elections: Rain or shine, voters queued up to exercise their franchise in Assam polls
businessline on Instagram: “Raining heavily in Hojai, Assam and yet rain has not dampened the spirit of voters who have turned out in big numbers early morning with umbrellas . Shiladitya Dev of BJP pitted against Jhili Chowdhury of INC in the constituency.
It’s begun to rain in Guwahati as well. Will rain dampen spirit or will voters brave the elements in the city is the question?
Video: @riturajkonwar_thehindu”
16 likes, 0 comments – hindu_businessline on April 8, 2026: “Raining heavily in Hojai, Assam and yet rain has not dampened the spirit of voters who have turned out in big numbers early morning with umbrellas . Shiladitya Dev of BJP pitted against Jhili Chowdhury of INC in the constituency.
It’s begun to rain in Guwahati as well. Will rain dampen spirit or will voters brave the elements in the city is the question?
Video: @riturajkonwar_thehindu”.
- April 9, 2026 09:44
The change is palpable in Assam in this 2026 Assembly election, says Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge
- April 9, 2026 09:42
Keralam Assembly Elections: False and communal propaganda can’t defeat LDF, says Pinarayi Vijayan
Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday expressed confidence in the Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying that the public trusts the ruling alliance.Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Kannur, Vijayan said that “false and communal propaganda” cannot defeat the LDF.(ANI)
- April 9, 2026 09:41
‘Day to determine your rights’: Jharkhand CM appeals to people of Assam to vote
Appealing to the people of Assam to cast their votes, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on Thursday said it was a day to determine their rights, their dignity, and their future.
Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is contesting on 16 seats in Assam’s 126-member assembly.
“The struggle will succeed… Today, the sacred festival of democracy is being celebrated in Assam. This is not just voting, but a day to determine your rights, your dignity, and your future,” Soren said in a social media post.
“I appeal to all voters, including the exploited and deprived sections of society from Assam’s revolutionary land, to actively exercise your franchise,” he said.(PTI)
- April 9, 2026 09:39
Kerala Assembly Polls: Free Uber, sweet halwa… but where’s Gen Z at the polls?
Not many Gen Z voters appear to come out and partake of the Election Commission’s offer of ‘halwa’ or a free Uber ride to polling stations.
- April 9, 2026 09:33
Keralam Assembly Elections 2026: Congress MP predicts 100-seat UDF win in Kerala
- April 9, 2026 09:30
Puducherry Assembly Polls: Meet Nila, the saree-clad humanoid welcoming voters in Puducherry
A humanoid robot named “Nila”, dressed in a saree, greeted voters arriving at the VOC Government School polling station in PuducherryWatch here:
- April 9, 2026 09:28
Prominent leaders, candidates arrive early at polling booths in Kerala
Prominent personalities and candidates reached polling booths even before the voting process commenced across Kerala on Thursday morning.
Over 2.71 crore voters are set to exercise their franchise to elect a new government in the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his wife, daughter and son, walked to the polling booth at RC Amala Basic UP School in Pinarayi in Kannur district at around 8 am on Thursday.
He was accompanied by party leaders.
Describing the election as decisive, Vijayan said it would determine the future of Kerala as the state is moving towards becoming a developed state.
“We have been able to achieve development and it should continue. It should not be disrupted and people desire its continuation,” he told reporters.
He said people across the state, including those opposing the LDF, are interested in Kerala’s development and believe that only the Left front can take the state forward in a dedicated manner.
“We have low corruption, and people know that no other front can achieve this. The last 10 years have witnessed wide-ranging development, and the LDF was behind it. People strongly believe that for this development to continue, the LDF should remain in power,” he said.
He said attempts to spread fake narratives would not yield results.
“We trust the people, and they trust us. We have travelled with the people in the last 10 years, and that journey continues,” he added.
Referring to past elections, Vijayan said the mandate in 2019, which gave the LDF more seats than in 2016, was a recognition of its work. (PTI)
- April 9, 2026 09:27
CM Pinarayi Vijayan interacts with the media after casting his vote at Dharmadom, Kannur.
- April 9, 2026 09:27
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Polling Update
17.23% polling in Nemom where Rajeev Chandrasekhar of NDA is standing from. He is the state president of the BJP.
- April 9, 2026 09:26
Kerala Assembly Elections: Polling Update
Polling crosses 16% in Kerala as pace picks up remarkably in the last 30 minutes or so
- April 9, 2026 09:24
Actor and Palakkad UDF candidate Ramesh Pisharody casts his vote in Kochi.
- April 9, 2026 09:24
Kerala Assembly Polls 2026: Congress MP KC Venugopal casts his vote at Higher Secondary School, Thiruvampady
- April 9, 2026 09:23
Kerala Assembly Elections: Urban Thiruvananthapuram wakes up
Urban voters in Thiruvananthapuram appear to shed their traditional complacency and come out in large numbers after two hours of polling. This is indicative of strong multi-cornered contests in the district with NDA upping the ante, observers say.
- April 9, 2026 09:22
Assembly polls: Voting begins in Puducherry amid tight security
Voting for the Assembly election commenced amid tight security across the union territory of Puducherry on Thursday with 9.50 lakh voters set to decide the electoral fortunes of the ruling NDA, determined to retain power and the opposition INDIA bloc, which is steadfast in its aim to win polls and assume power.
Voters lined up enthusiastically before the polling stations in Puducherry, and in its enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam to exercise their franchise. Polling began at 7 am and it is set to go on till 6 pm.
- April 9, 2026 09:22
Puducherry Elections 2026: Former CM V Narayanasamy casts vote, says INDIA alliance set to form govt
Congress leader and former Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy casts his vote at a polling booth in Mission Street. He says, “The poll poll started now. We’ll be knowing the trend only after 1 am. But the I contacted various constituencies, our candidates, our our workers, the situation is very good. The INDIA alliance will form the government in Puducherry. I request the people of Puducherry, come and vote and vote for vote in the election. They should exercise their democratic right and 100 per cent voting should be ensured by the people of Puducherry.”
- April 9, 2026 09:16
Polling so far ‘moderate’ in Kerala
- April 9, 2026 09:15
Next two hours crucial—wave or stalemate in Kerala?
Next two hours will decide if there is a ‘wave’ in Kerala to support Opposition UDF’s claims of a landslide win, and ruling LDF’s expectations of return for a third term.
- April 9, 2026 09:14
Assam Assembly Elections 2026
Age no Barrier!
- April 9, 2026 09:10
Kerala Assembly Elections: Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur districts record highest polling at 10.8 per cent in largely peaceful polling in Kerala during first two hours.
- April 9, 2026 09:09
Keralam Assembly elections 2026: Union Minister Suresh Gopi casts vote in Guruvayur, urges voters to decide “diligently and intelligently”
- April 9, 2026 09:08
Assam Election 2026: “Be the change” — Kunki Chowdhury urges youth after casting her vote
AJP candidate from Guwhati Central seat Kunki Chowdhury after casting her vote, says, “It is amazing that I have got this opportunity to contest elections from a very prestigious constituency and I am awaiting people to come out and vote. It feels good that young candidates have come out to change the system and we have to become a part of the system if we want to bring a real change.”
- April 9, 2026 09:07
Union Minister George Kurian casts vote in Kottayam, says “NDA expecting great mandate”
Union Minister and National Democratic Alliance’s Kanjirapally candidate George Kurian on Thursday expressed confidence in achieving a “great mandate” in the Keralam assembly polls.
Kurian, who cast his vote at a polling station in Kottayam Kanakkary Government Higher Secondary School, stated that the NDA leaders have requested the people to vote in favour of the alliance.(ANI)
- April 9, 2026 09:07
Kerala Elections 2026: Actor and Palakkad UDF candidate Ramesh Pisharody casts his vote in Kochi
- April 9, 2026 09:06
Kerala Elections 2026: Hibi Eden votes in Ernakulam, urges youth turnout
Kerala Elections 2026: Congress MP Hibi Eden casts his vote in Ernakulam, urging youngsters to cast their vote, he says, “the politically aware people of Kerala will vote for the UDF, there is anti-incumbency against the LDF.”
- April 9, 2026 09:05
Kerala Elections 2026: BJP state president and Nemom assembly candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar votes
BJP state president and Nemom assembly candidate, Rajeev Chandrasekhar shows the voter mark after casting his vote for the Kerala State assembly elections at Jawahar Nagar LP School, in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.
PHOTO: NIRMAL HARINDRAN / THE HINDU
- April 9, 2026 09:04
Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts vote for Assembly polls in Kannur
- April 9, 2026 09:02
Keralam Elections: Mohanlal arrives at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram to cast his vote
- April 9, 2026 09:01
Kerala Assembly elections: Polling crosses 10% mark in many seats in Kerala after two hours.
Voting reached 10.6% after two hours in Kerala as long queues form at many places.
- April 9, 2026 09:00
‘Vote for change’: Keralam BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar casts his vote in Thiruvananthapuram
Keralam BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday cast his vote in the Assembly elections being held today and described the contest as important while urging voters to “make their vote about change”.(ANI)
- April 9, 2026 08:56
Kerala Assembly polls: Brisk start in BJP’s target turf as Nemom and Kazhakkottam vote early
Nemom and Kazhakkottam seats in Thiruvananthapuram, where BJP says it will make major inroads, witness brisk polling in the first hour.
- April 9, 2026 08:54
Kerala Assembly elections: Early hours see elderly and women voters lead the turnout in Kerala, beating the heat
Mostly aged and women voters exercise their franchise in the first one hour or so of polling in Kerala, mindful of the inhospitable weather towards noon from rising heat and humidity. Gen Z voters yet to make their presence felt in the state.
- April 9, 2026 08:51
PM Modi appeals to people of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry to vote in large numbers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the people of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the assembly elections in the two states and the Union Territory.
In separate messages in English, besides Assamese, Malayalam and Tamil — the regional languages of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry respectively — PM Modi particularly requested the youth and the women to step forward and vote in large numbers.
“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,” he said in a post on X. (PTI)
- April 9, 2026 08:49
Puducherry Assembly elections: It’s NDA vs INDIA Bloc vs TVK in Puducherry: A rare triangular battle unfolds in the UT
After a long time Puducherry witnessing a three cornered fight with the NDA (comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK, and LJK) and India Bloc (Congress, DMK and VCK ) facing a third force in TVK.
- April 9, 2026 08:42
Puducherry Assembly elections: Vijay’s TVK debuts in Pondy polls
TVK – Tamilagai Vettri Kazhagam – party of Actor Vijay makes its debut in Puducherry politics. Will this party be a kingmaker?
- April 9, 2026 08:41
Puducherry Assembly elections: Ballots open, hopes high as the beach city sees frenzy voting from dawn
294 candidates in fray in Puducherry with 9.5 lakh voters deciding their fate.
Voting began amid tight security at 7 am with long queues seen .
- April 9, 2026 08:37
Assam Polls: Voting continues unfazed amidst heavy rains
Pic credit: Ritu Raj Konwar
- April 9, 2026 08:31
Assam sees heavy rain, but voter spirit hasn’t been dampened
Raining heavily in Hojai, Assam and yet rain has not dampened the spirit of voters who have turned out in big numbers early morning with umbrellas . Shiladitya Dev of BJP pitted against Jhili Chowdhury of INC in the constituency.
- April 9, 2026 08:29
Kerala Assembly elections: Polling percentage rises to 5.6 per cent in Kerala after one-and-hours.
- April 9, 2026 08:29
Voter turnout impressive: LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan
LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan, who is locked in a close fight in fortress Perambra, says he is impressed with the turnout so far in Kerala, with women voters outnumbering their male counterparts.
- April 9, 2026 08:22
Election Commission declares paid holiday on polling days for upcoming elections
Election Commission declares paid holiday on polling days for upcoming elections
Election Commission announces paid holiday for all employees on polling days to ensure voter participation in upcoming elections.
- April 9, 2026 08:20
Pinarayi Vijayan says LDF confident of surpassing 2021 win, cites decade of development
CM Pinarayi Vijayan speaking to reporters in Dharmadam after casting his vote said that people realise that LDF has achieved what no other party has in terms of development, taking various projects to their conclusion. He says people have experienced the change in 10 years and LDF has been travelling with people of the land. “In 2021 we received more than we got in 2016 and we are confident that this time we will get more than we got in 2021,” he said. A developed Keralam is our dream and we are confident people will be with us, he said .
- April 9, 2026 08:19
In the first hour of voting, an average 3-3.5 per cent of voters cast their ballots in Kerala.
- April 9, 2026 08:19
Assam polls: Police knock, passport claims and sharp barbs mark final days before Assam vote
Police knock, passport claims and sharp barbs mark final days before Assam vote
Tensions rise in Assam’s election campaign as police action and personal attacks dominate the final days before voting.
- April 9, 2026 08:11
Top leaders cast their votes across Keralam as high turnout seen in many constituencies
Several top leaders have cast their vote across Keralam . Suresh Gopi in Thrissur, V Satheeshan in North Paravur. Huge turnout witnessed in many constituencies.
- April 9, 2026 08:09
Meet CM Rangasamy, NDA’s calm and unflappable leader in Puducherry
Meet CM Rangasamy, NDA’s unflappable face in Puducherry
Puducherry CM N Rangasamy campaigns with a calm, grassroots approach as Assembly polls near, banking on strong public connect and experience.
- April 9, 2026 08:09
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts vote in Dharmadam, eyes third straight term
In Kannur, Keralam chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan just cast his vote from Dharmadam constituency fighting for a record third time in power
- April 9, 2026 08:09
BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekharan predicts no clear mandate for UDF or LDF as BJP gains ground
Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekharan standing to cast his vote in his constituency told reporters that in his view neither UDF nore LDF would get a clear mandate as BJP will have an impact.
- April 9, 2026 08:03
Assam’s financial and social scorecard
Assam’s financial and social scorecard
Explore Assam’s economic and social indicators under the NDA government as they approach the re-election campaign.
- April 9, 2026 08:03
Bots in the poll battlefield – from sentiment tracking to targeted messaging
Bots in the poll battlefield – from sentiment tracking to targeted messaging
Explore how AI is transforming political campaigns through sentiment analysis, targeted messaging, and rapid content creation in Tamil Nadu.
- April 9, 2026 08:01
Kerala sets 85% polling target, aiming to match record turnout last seen in 1960
State Election Commission has put a target of 85 per cent of polling in Kerala, a threshold breached only once in the state’s history way back in 1960.
That year, the state witnessed 85.72 per cent of polling in elections held after the EMS Namboodiripad government had to bow out of power.
The lowest polling percentage of 71.16 per cent was recorded in 1996, while the last Assembly polls held in 2021 returned 75.75 per cent.
- April 9, 2026 07:58
Assam polls: In pictures
- April 9, 2026 07:57
CCTV surveillance and strict policing witnessed in polling booths in Assam
- April 9, 2026 07:49
Polling underway in Assam
Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
- April 9, 2026 07:47
In Puducherry, model polling booth with flowers, seating, token system, and robot welcomes early voters
In Puducherry at a model polling booth bedecked with flowers , people were seen seated since 6.30 am. Seating arrangements had been made. A token system was arranged . Also a robot greeted voters.
- April 9, 2026 07:45
Kerala polls: Mohan Lal casts vote in Nemom after standing in queue for half an hour amid tough triangular contest
Mohan Lal cast his vote from Poojappura in Nemom . A huge number of women voters have queued up to cast their votes.
- April 9, 2026 07:29
No exit polls from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29: EC
Exit polls can neither be held nor disseminated from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29 for the five assembly elections taking place this month, the Election Commission has said.
It has also cautioned that conducting or broadcasting exit polls in the period is violative of section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and is “punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with fine or both”.
While Kerala, Assam and Puducherry going for assembly polls on April 9, the electoral exercise will be held in Tamil Nadu on April 23.
In West Bengal, state polls will be held on April 23 and 29.
While the 48 hour ‘silence period’ in Kerala and Puducherry will commence at 6 pm on Tuesday, it will kick in at 5 pm in Assam.
No exit polls from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29: EC
Exit polls can neither be held nor disseminated from 7 am of April 9 till 6.30 pm of April 29 for the five assembly elections taking place this month, the Election Commission has said.
- April 9, 2026 07:28
People standing in long lines to cast their votes in Guwahati on 9th April 2026.
Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar / The Hindu
- April 9, 2026 07:14
2.71 crore voters head for booths in Kerala
An estimated 2.71 crore voters in Kerala will fan out into the more than 34,000 booths in the state today to exercise their franchise in elections to the State Assembly.
The last couple of days leading up to the poll were eventful with ‘vote for cash’ and ‘vote for (provision) kits’ breaking out in Thrissur district.
A third one was an alleged phone conversation between a minister and sitting MLA of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) fixing blame on each other for the ‘man-made’ failures that allegedly set off the historic 2018 floods.
Separately, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took on his Telangana counterpart Revanth Reddy in a one-to-one spat deviating from campaign rhetoric. – Our Bureau
- April 9, 2026 07:03
Assam polls: Assam electorate stands at 2.5 crore, with nearly equal male and female voters and 318 in transgender category
Of 2,50,54,463 electors in Assam, 1,25,31,552 are male voters and 1,25,22,593 females. There are 318 voters in the Transgender category and 63,423 service voters.Among the electorate, 6,42,314 voters are in the age group of 18-19 years, 2,50,006 are above 80 years of age, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities. – ANI
- April 9, 2026 07:01
Assam heads to polls today as Congress looks to reclaim the state
Polling for the 126 seats in Assam will be held today. Votes will be counted on May 4. The polling will begin at 7 am. The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term. The Congress-led alliance includes Raijor Dal and CPI(M).
In Assam, more than 2.5 crore electors are eligible to exercise their franchise for the 126-member legislative assembly. There are 722 candidates in the fray. – ANI
- April 9, 2026 07:00
Keralam sets up over 30,000 polling stations, deploys 1.46 lakh trained staff for voting
For a smooth voting process, 30,471 polling stations have been set up in Keralam, out of which 119 are logistic and voter machine distribution centres and 41 are vote counting centres.Keralam Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar said that 1.46 lakh trained polling personnel will be dispatched to all the polling stations.
- April 9, 2026 06:58
Keralam electorate has 2.7 crore voters, including over 4.2 lakh first-time voters and 2 lakh seniors aged 85+
The Keralam electorate comprises 2,69,53,644 registered voters, in which the total number of female voters is 1,38,27,319, the number of male voters is 1,31,26,048, and the number of Third gender category voters is 277.
Among them, around 4,24,518 voters are in the 18-19 age group, and 2,04,608 voters are in the senior citizen category, aged 85 years and above. – ANI
- April 9, 2026 06:56
Keralam to vote today: Over 2.6 cr voters to decide fate of 883 candidates
Over 2,6 crore electors will rush to poll stations on Thursday to decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala and elect its 140-member Legislative Assembly in a high-stakes battle between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The voting in Keralam is being held in a single phase and will begin at 7 AM. The current Assembly’s tenure ends on May 23.
In the south-Indian state, over 2,6 crore electors will decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies.
- April 9, 2026 06:37
Puducherry to vote today for 30 seats to elect new assembly
Puducherry is set to vote today at 7 am for a total of 30 seats. A total of 10,14,070 electors are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect the 30-member Legislative Assembly.
The electorate comprises 5,39,125 female voters, 4,74,788 male voters, and 157 voters belonging to the Third gender category. Out of this, 24,156 voters belong to the age group of 18-19 years, while 6,034 voters belong to the senior citizen category (aged 85 and above). – ANI
Published on April 9, 2026








