Assembly polls: Assam, Puducherry set new turnout records; Kerala surpasses 2021 numbers

Assam and Puducherry recorded their highest-ever voter turnout, while Kerala surpassed its 2021 polling percentage in the assembly elections held on Thursday, according to the Election Commission.

Assam registered a turnout of 85.38 per cent, crossing its previous highest of 84.67 per cent recorded in the 2016 assembly polls. Puducherry also set a new record with 89.83 per cent polling, exceeding its earlier high of 86.19 per cent in the 2011 assembly elections.

Kerala witnessed polling of more than 78 per cent, surpassing its turnout in the 2021 assembly elections.

Across all three regions, women voters outnumbered men in participation. In Assam, female turnout stood at 85.96 per cent compared to 84.80 per cent among men. In Kerala, 80.86 per cent of women voted, while male participation was 75.01 per cent. In Puducherry, 91.33 per cent of women cast their votes compared to 88.09 per cent of men.

A total of 296 assembly constituencies across Assam, Kerala and Puducherry went to the polls, covering an electorate of more than 5.31 crore. Byelections were also held in four assembly seats in Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura.

Reacting to the turnout, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said, “Assembly elections 2026 in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are a historic testimony not only for India but for the entire democratic world. On behalf of EC, I congratulate each and every elector of Assam, Puducherry and Kerala for this historic achievement.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma described the high turnout as “historic,” stating that the result of this “election is already visible– in the hope, pride, and happiness” on the faces of our people.

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said the turnout reflected a mandate for a “new and greater Assam” and a new leadership at the helm. “It is now the responsibility of the ECI to ensure the security of EVMs and conduct the counting of votes accurately,” he added.