India

Elections 2026 live updates: 'TVK is BJP’s B-team,’ says DMK candidate ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Hindustan Times 12 April 2026, 12:22 PM

Brief

Elections 2026 live updates: The 2026 Assembly polls are underway, with Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry having voted on April 9. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal follow on April 23 and 29. All eyes are now on the May 4 counting day to decide the fate of five regions.

Phase 1 concludes with record turnout, focus shifts to Bengal, Tamil Nadu

The first major wave of the 2026 electoral cycle has concluded, marked by exceptional voter participation and high-stakes regional battles. As the dust settles on the first phase, the political machinery is now pivoting toward the upcoming showdowns in the eastern and southern heartlands.

Phase 1 recap: Record participation

On April 9, voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry turned out in massive numbers to decide the fate of their respective assemblies. The Election Commission noted a significant trend: female voters outperformed males in both Assam and Kerala.

Assam: Recorded a historic 85.38% turnout across 126 seats. The BJP-led NDA is pushing for a third consecutive term against a diverse Congress-led coalition.

Kerala: Saw 78.03% participation. The ruling LDF is fighting here to retain power against the UDF and a determined NDA.

Puducherry: The union territory shattered previous records with a staggering 89.83% turnout for its 30-member assembly.

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