The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the 2026 assembly elections in five states and one union territory. West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will go to polls in a single phase. The elections are crucial as they will set the tone for the 2029 general elections.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026
West Bengal has 294 assembly seats. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is seeking a fourth consecutive term. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the main opposition, followed by the Left Front and Congress. Key issues include job creation, law and order, and implementation of central schemes.
Seat Distribution
- Trinamool Congress: 213 seats (contesting)
- BJP: 68 seats
- Left Front: 8 seats
- Congress: 5 seats
In the 2021 elections, TMC won 213 seats, BJP 77, Left Front 0, and Congress 0. This time, the BJP aims to improve its tally, while the Left and Congress are in alliance in some seats.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026
Tamil Nadu has 234 assembly seats. The DMK-led alliance is in power, facing the AIADMK-led alliance. The BJP is contesting independently in many seats. Key issues include the NEET exemption, Cauvery water dispute, and state autonomy.
Seat Distribution
- DMK Alliance: 159 seats (contesting)
- AIADMK Alliance: 65 seats
- BJP: 10 seats
In 2021, DMK won 133 seats, AIADMK 75, and others 26. The DMK is confident of retaining power, while the AIADMK hopes to regain lost ground.
Assam Assembly Elections 2026
Assam has 126 assembly seats. The BJP-led alliance is in power, with the Congress-led opposition. Key issues include illegal immigration, flood management, and tea garden workers' welfare.
Seat Distribution
- BJP Alliance: 75 seats (contesting)
- Congress Alliance: 45 seats
- Others: 6 seats
In 2021, BJP won 60 seats, Congress 29, and others 37. The BJP aims to increase its majority, while the Congress hopes to make inroads with local allies.
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026
Kerala has 140 assembly seats. The LDF is in power, with the UDF as the main opposition. The BJP is trying to open its account. Key issues include the gold smuggling case, COVID-19 management, and infrastructure development.
Seat Distribution
- LDF: 73 seats (contesting)
- UDF: 60 seats
- BJP: 7 seats
In 2021, LDF won 99 seats, UDF 41, and BJP 0. The LDF is confident of retaining power, while the UDF hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency.
Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026
Puducherry has 30 assembly seats. The NDA is in power, with the Congress-led alliance as opposition. Key issues include territorial status, corruption, and tourism.
Seat Distribution
- NDA: 15 seats (contesting)
- Congress Alliance: 12 seats
- Others: 3 seats
In 2021, NDA won 15 seats, Congress 7, and others 8. The NDA aims to retain power, while the Congress hopes to form a government with allies.
The elections are expected to be held in April-May 2026. The results will be crucial for the political landscape of these states.
