Political activity is intensifying across several states ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of candidates for Assam, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma set to contest from Jalukbari. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unveiled its second list of candidates for the Assam polls.
Polling will be conducted in two phases starting April 23 for all 294 constituencies. The contest is expected to be high-stakes, primarily between Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Around 60 lakh ‘doubtful’ voter cases remain under scrutiny, with proceedings monitored by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court. Supplementary electoral rolls will be released after approvals, and returning officers have already been assigned.
Assam
Voting is scheduled for April 9 across 126 seats. The BJP will face strong competition from the Indian National Congress and several regional parties. Due to the large electorate, the state may see multi-phase polling along with significant deployment of central forces.
Tamil Nadu
The state will go to polls on April 23 for its 234 seats. A three-cornered contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-BJP alliance, and Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Elections are likely to be held in a single phase.
Kerala
Polling will take place on April 9 across 140 constituencies. The main contest is expected between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), while the BJP aims to strengthen its foothold. A single-phase election is anticipated with close monitoring.
Puducherry
The Union Territory will vote on April 9 for all 30 seats. A closely fought battle is expected among regional alliances, with elections likely to be conducted in a single phase.
Security and Election Preparedness
The Election Commission of India is preparing extensive arrangements to ensure smooth and secure polling. More than 1,500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), totaling over 1.4 lakh personnel, are expected to be deployed. State police forces will assist in maintaining law and order, while special observers will oversee preparedness and randomisation processes.
Advanced deployment of central forces has already begun in key poll-bound states such as West Bengal and Assam to manage logistics, regulate voter movement, and ensure peaceful voting conditions.
Overall, the 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up to be highly competitive, with multi-phase polling in larger states and intense political battles across regions.
Assembly Elections 2026 Update
— FOCUS PLUS OFFICIAL (@Focusplusnews) March 19, 2026
Political activity is heating up across India as multiple states head to polls next month.
🔹 Assam: BJP has released its first candidate list. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma will contest from Jalukbari. AAP has also announced its second list. Voting on… pic.twitter.com/Is0GfTxHjF
