'Utterly shameful, unacceptable,' Priyanka Gandhi slams Assam CM for remarks on Kharge
Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: The high-voltage campaign for the assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry drew to a close, setting the stage for a crucial electoral showdown on April 9. <br /><br />Political parties made their final push with aggressive rallies, roadshows and outreach programmes, as top national and regional leaders fanned out across constituencies to consolidate support. With 299 seats across two states and one Union Territory going to polls, the elections are being seen as a significant political test ahead of the broader national landscape.<br /><br />In Assam, the contest has crystallised into a direct battle between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is aiming for a third consecutive term, banking on governance, welfare schemes and a strong organisational network. <br /><br />The Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, is attempting a comeback by stitching alliances and capitalising on anti-incumbency, unemployment concerns and rising prices. However, a fragmented opposition and the BJP’s strong narrative on identity and migration continue to shape the electoral dynamics.<br /><br />Kerala presents a more layered political contest, with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) seeking a historic third straight term under chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. <br /><br />Traditionally known for alternating governments, the state’s evolving political mood has made this election particularly competitive. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is positioning the election as a referendum on governance and financial management, while the BJP is striving to expand its footprint in a state long dominated by bipolar politics.<br /><br />In Puducherry, the battle is largely bipolar between the ruling NDA alliance led by the All India NR Congress (AINRC) and the Congress-DMK combine. Chief minister N Rangasamy is seeking to retain power on the back of his personal credibility, even as the opposition pushes issues of governance and alleged central control. The presence of new political entrants and shifting alliances has added an element of unpredictability to the contest.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the Election Commission has enforced the mandatory 48-hour silence period, prohibiting all forms of campaigning to ensure free and fair polling. Strict guidelines have been issued on political activity, media dissemination and movement of party workers. With millions of voters set to decide the fate of hundreds of candidates, the stage is now set for a decisive verdict that could reshape political equations in these regions.<br /><br />Key highlights: <br /><ul><li>Campaigning ends across Assam, Kerala and Puducherry ahead of April 9 polling</li><li>299 seats across two states and one Union Territory up for grabs</li><li>BJP, Congress deploy top leadership in high-stakes final push</li><li>Assam sees direct BJP vs Congress battle amid anti-incumbency debate</li><li>Kerala witnesses triangular contest with LDF, UDF and BJP</li><li>Puducherry faces bipolar fight between NDA and Congress-DMK</li><li>Election Commission enforces 48-hour silence period with strict restrictions</li></ul>
