State elections do not directly affect the stability of India’s federal government but are closely watched as a test of voter sentiment ​toward the ruling coalition. Opinion polls predict an easy win ⁠for an alliance led by Modi’s Bharatiya ⁠Janata Party (BJP) in one state and tight contests in two others. Voting was under way in Assam and Kerala, along with the federally administered territory of Puducherry, while West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will vote later this ⁠month. A BJP‑led alliance has ruled ‌Assam for two successive terms and is expected to win again, according to public ⁠opinion platform Vote ​Vibe, while the opposition is set to retain Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, a ⁠coalition that includes the BJP is expected to mount a close challenge against a ruling regional party, Vote Vibe said.

Source: The Star April 09, 2026 07:21 UTC