Assembly Elections 2026 Highlights: 'BJP's downfall has begun,' says Mamata Banerjee women's reservation bill falls in Lok Sabha

The 2026 Assembly elections are being held in multiple phases, beginning with the first round of voting on April 9 and continuing through subsequent rounds later in April, with counting scheduled for mid-May. States going to polls include Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, each presenting distinct political dynamics and electoral battlegrounds. The BJP-led NDA is aiming to retain power in Assam and expand its footprint in southern and eastern regions, while the Congress-led INDIA bloc and regional parties are striving to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment. Key campaign themes include economic concerns, welfare delivery, law and order, and regional aspirations. The Election Commission has increased vigilance, deploying central forces and implementing administrative reshuffles to curb malpractice. As campaigning intensifies for upcoming phases, alliances, candidate selection, and voter turnout will play a decisive role in determining the final outcome of these high-stakes elections.