The assembly elections for 2026 commenced today across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, with millions of voters expected to cast their ballots. The results, to be announced on May 4, will have significant implications for national politics ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. In Assam, the ruling BJP, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeks a third consecutive term, facing off against Congress's Gaurav Gogoi. Key voter concerns include unemployment and corruption, with a personal feud escalating between the candidates. In Kerala, the Left Democratic Front, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, aims for a historic third term, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front, under VD Satheesan, pushes for a governance reset amid allegations of corruption. Opinion polls suggest a tight race, with small parties potentially deciding the outcome. Meanwhile, in Puducherry, the demand for statehood dominates the political discourse, as Chief Minister N Rangasamy faces criticism for his alliance with the BJP. The elections are not only pivotal for regional governance but also serve as a litmus test for national parties ahead of the larger electoral battle in 2029.