KERALA ASSEMBLY POLLS
West Bengal polls: ECI flags 55 seats as 'expenditure sensitive'
West Bengal faces heightened election scrutiny. The Election Commission has marked 55 constituencies as expenditure sensitive. This year, 100 observers are deployed, the highest number across poll-bound regions. Seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies have surged. Several border areas and urban centers are under close watch to ensure fair elections.
ET Graphics: Bengal picture abhi bhi baaki hai; SIR’s changing playbook
India's Election Commission is revising voter lists, removing over 5.98 crore names. The process, starting in Bihar, has changed significantly. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are now undergoing revisions. West Bengal's revision faced legal challenges, leading to mass deletions and judicial oversight. The exercise aims to ensure accurate voter rolls.
AIADMK 'eaten up' from inside by PM Modi, Amit Shah, now a hollow shell: Rahul Gandhi during poll rally
Ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections, Rahul Gandhi criticized the AIADMK-BJP alliance, calling the AIADMK a mere mask for the BJP. He stated that the AIADMK, once a defender of Tamil Nadu's people, has become a hollow shell, allegedly 'eaten up' from within by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Delimitation provisions in women's reservation amendment bill 'attack on democracy': Kerala Oppn
Opposition leaders from Kerala have opposed the delimitation provisions tied to the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, arguing that linking 33% quota to a future census and seat redistribution is a “hidden trap” that could distort federal balance. They warn the exercise may disproportionately increase seats in northern states while marginalising the south, and have demanded that reservation be implemented within the current Lok Sabha strength instead.
BJP’s Kerala strategy: Local faces, development pitch & high-stakes bid to break the two-front political system
BJP Kerala Elections Strategies: The BJP is intensifying its election campaign in Kerala. The party focuses on specific constituencies and local leaders. A development-driven message is central to its strategy. This aims to challenge the long-standing dominance of the LDF and UDF. The BJP seeks to convert its growing vote share and local body performance into Assembly seats.
Foreign delegates visit states post voting on Thursday
Thirty-eight international delegates from twenty-two countries observed India's election process. They visited Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Delegates saw polling parties and election materials. They also viewed CCTV control rooms. The visitors described the experience as a festival of democracy. They admired voter participation and poll execution.
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No CM debate now, says Congress as Kerala awaits poll results
Congress leaders in Thiruvananthapuram decided to avoid naming preferred chief minister candidates before the Kerala Assembly election results are declared on May 4. This move aims to prevent internal differences from being visible to the public. The party high command will make the final decision after consulting MLAs, following established procedures.
He is not actor Madhavan. Even at the age of 95, Kerala's Madhavan has no excuses and leads by example
A 95-year-old retired schoolteacher from Kerala, K Madhavan Nair, is drawing attention for his unwavering commitment to voting. Not to be confused with actor R. Madhavan, he has not missed a single election since Independence. Despite mobility issues and weak eyesight, he continues to visit his polling booth in person, saying the experience matters to him.
IUML deserves deputy CM post but won't stake claim: Thangal
IUML leader Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal stated that while the party deserves the deputy chief minister's post, they will not claim it if the UDF wins in Kerala. He also denied allegations of candidates seeking votes on religious lines, asserting that minorities trust the UDF for protection.
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 Voter Turnout: Polling held across 140 seats, final turnout at 78.27%
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 Voter Turnout: Kerala voters head to the polls today in a significant Assembly election. Around 2.71 crore citizens will cast their ballots to decide the state's future. The ruling LDF seeks a third term, while the UDF aims to return to power. The NDA is also in contention. Key constituencies are being closely watched as the results will shape Kerala's political landscape.
"High voter turnout signals anti-incumbency, Congress likely to win in Assam, Keralam, Puducherry": Rashid Alvi
Congress leader Rashid Alvi sees high voter turnout in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry as a sign of anti-incumbency, predicting Congress victories. He criticized Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's conduct. The Election Commission hailed the polling as historic, with record turnouts in Assam and Puducherry, and strong participation in Kerala.
Vijayan-led CPI(M) fate sealed in ballot boxes as polls saw enthusiastic voter turnout in Kerala
Kerala voted on Thursday in assembly polls. The outcome will decide the future of the ruling LDF and key opposition figures. High voter turnout was recorded across the state. Results will be declared on May 4. Both LDF and UDF expressed confidence in forming the government. The BJP aims to gain a foothold.
Keralam Assembly elections 2026: LDF faced no anti-incumbency wave, V Sivankutty says
Kerala Minister V Sivankutty rejects claims of anti-incumbency against the ruling LDF government. He states there is no strong public sentiment against the administration. Sivankutty highlights the government's welfare measures and accessibility to citizens. He expresses confidence in the LDF retaining power. The minister also commented on a recent Prime Minister's roadshow.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar congratulates electors of Assam, Puducherry, Keralam; calls Assembly elections "testimony" for democratic world
Voters in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry participated in Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar congratulated the electorate for a historic turnout. Assam and Puducherry recorded their highest poll participation. Chief Ministers of Kerala and Assam praised the high voter engagement. Puducherry also saw significant participation. Election officials ensured smooth polling.
PM Modi appeals to people of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry to vote in large numbers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry to vote in large numbers during the ongoing assembly elections. He specifically encouraged the youth and women to participate enthusiastically, emphasizing their crucial role in strengthening democracy and shaping the future of these regions.
Kerala Assembly elections: From malls, banks to schools, what's open and what's closed
Kerala is holding a high-stakes Assembly election today, with 2.71 crore voters deciding the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies. The ruling LDF seeks a historic third term against the UDF's comeback bid, while the NDA aims to break the bipolar political landscape. Polling is underway from 7 am to 6 pm.
Shashi Tharoor says Kerala polls a direct fight between LDF-UDF, claims "BJP not a factor here"
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted that the Kerala Assembly elections are a direct contest between the ruling LDF and the Congress-led UDF, dismissing the BJP as a non-factor. Senior leader AK Antony also predicted a "clean sweep" for the UDF, criticizing the BJP as a "non-Kerala" party. Voters are deciding the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies.
Kerala Assembly elections 2026: BJP's Anil Antony cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram, calls polls 'decisive'
Voting is happening today in Kerala for the assembly elections. BJP leader Anil Antony believes this is a decisive moment for the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is confident his LDF government will win again. Over 2.6 crore voters are deciding the fate of 883 candidates. The results will be announced on May 4.
Assembly polls 2026: Kerala goes to polls in high-stake election
Kerala votes on Thursday. The ruling LDF seeks a third term, highlighting welfare and development. The UDF focuses on anti-incumbency issues like corruption and rising prices. The BJP is also contesting key seats. Prominent candidates include Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former minister KK Shailaja. Tough contests are expected in several constituencies.
Congress' downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn't let Sunetra Pawar win unopposed: Bawankule
BJP Chandrashekhar Bawankule took a firm stance against the Congress party, cautioning them about the potential fallout of not allowing Sunetra Pawar to claim victory in the Baramati assembly by-election without opposition.
ET Graphics: Battle for Kerala, Assam and Puducherry — 5.3 crore voters, high-stakes contests, and key seats that will decide it all
Assembly elections for Kerala (140 seats), Assam (126) and UT of Puducherry (30) will be held on Thursday. Following Phase II of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, over 5.3 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots—2.5 cr in Assam, 2.7 cr in Kerala and 9.4 L in Puducherry.
2026 polls: Are schools open or closed tomorrow in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Karnataka and other states?
Schools and colleges in Kerala and Puducherry will be fully closed on April 9, 2026, due to State Assembly elections. Other states like Assam, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura may see selective closures. This is to facilitate voting arrangements. Students and staff should check local advisories for specific updates on holiday status.
Kerala & Assam Elections 2026: How to find your polling station online
Kerala and Assam are gearing up for Assembly elections on April 9, 2026, with authorities ensuring smooth voting by urging voters to check polling stations online. Final preparations are complete in both states, including the deployment of personnel and security forces. Key election facts reveal a single-phase polling across Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, with results announced on May 4, 2026.
Kerala and Assam Elections 2026: How to download your voter ID, step-by-step guide to get your E-EPIC
Kerala and Assam are gearing up for Assembly elections on 9 April 2026, with final preparations underway to ensure smooth voting. Voters are encouraged to download their digital E-EPIC for a more convenient experience, as it serves as a valid form of identification at polling stations. Authorities have deployed polling personnel and security forces, ensuring all logistical arrangements are in place. Special women-managed polling stations are also a key highlight. The results will be announced on 4 May 2026.
Bank holiday for elections on April 9, 2026: Are banks open or closed in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and other poll-bound states?
Bank holiday on April 9: Bank customers in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are seeking clarity on bank operations for April 9, 2026. Elections for legislative assemblies are scheduled in these states. While the RBI holiday calendar does not list a closure, local branches should be consulted. Central government offices will close in notified polling areas. This ensures citizens can exercise their voting rights.
EC seeks removal of political advertisements on channels, online platforms
The Election Commission has ordered the immediate removal of political advertisements appearing on channels and online platforms. This action is taken as these advertisements violate the silence period ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls. Campaigning through public meetings and media interactions is also prohibited.
Sad, desperate effort by scared Congress: Rajeev Chandrasekhar rejects allegations on asset disclosure
Keralam BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has dismissed Congress claims of undeclared assets. He labels the allegations a desperate move by a scared opposition to shift focus from development. Chandrasekhar predicts future Keralam elections will feature only the NDA against a combined Congress and LDF. Congress leader KS Sabarinathan had filed a complaint with the Election Commission regarding alleged undeclared assets.
Kerala enters silence campaigning phase; candidates make last-mile outreach
Kerala enters a mandatory silence period before the April 9 Assembly polls. Candidates are now focusing on door-to-door visits and personal contacts. Over 2.71 crore voters will decide the fate of 883 candidates. Prohibitory orders are in place in sensitive areas. All arrangements are set for a smooth polling process across 30,495 stations.
Keralam polls: Priyanka Gandhi flags unemployment among educated youth in state
Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Priyanka Gandhi, Congress MP, addressed unemployment in Kerala. She noted educated youth struggle to find jobs within the state. Many are compelled to seek employment elsewhere. This issue is significant as Kerala prepares for its Legislative Assembly elections. The current government has been in power for a decade. The upcoming polls will determine the state's political future.
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