Assembly Elections 2026 Live: 'If TMC leaders’ vehicles are checked, PM and HM’s should be too,' says Mamata Banerjee

The 2026 Assembly elections are unfolding in multiple phases, with the first round of polling held on April 9 and further voting scheduled across the month. Counting of votes is expected in mid-May. Key states in the electoral fray include Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and West Bengal, each with its own political contours and competitive landscape. The BJP-led NDA is seeking to hold on to power in Assam while also pushing to widen its presence in the southern and eastern regions. On the other side, the Congress-led INDIA bloc along with regional players is attempting to tap into anti-incumbency sentiment. Campaign narratives have centred on economic issues, welfare schemes, law and order, and regional aspirations. The Election Commission has stepped up monitoring by deploying central forces and carrying out administrative changes to prevent irregularities. As the remaining phases approach, factors such as alliances, candidate choices and voter turnout are likely to be crucial in shaping the final results of these closely watched elections.