The Aryavarth Express:
New Delhi, April 10: Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Friday said that the high voter turnout in the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry signals strong anti-incumbency sentiment, expressing confidence that the Congress is likely to form governments in all three regions.
Speaking to, Alvi noted that voter participation was unusually high across states. “Turnout has been significant everywhere—around 85% in Assam and close to 80% in Puducherry. While I’m not an astrologer, historically such high voting percentages often indicate anti-incumbency,” he remarked.
He further claimed that public sentiment appears to be shifting in favour of the Congress, especially in Kerala. “We were already confident about Assam. Even in Kerala, many believe a Congress government is likely. After this polling, it seems clear that Congress could form governments in Assam and Puducherry as well,” he added.
Alvi also criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of conduct unbecoming of a constitutional office. “His attitude is not appropriate. He uses offensive language against senior leaders. In a country that values culture and decorum, such behaviour should not be accepted,” Alvi said.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India described the elections as historic in terms of participation. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar congratulated voters, calling the turnout a strong example of democratic engagement.
According to official data:
Assam recorded a turnout of 85.38%, its highest ever
Puducherry saw a record 89.83% participation
Kerala reported 78.03% voter turnout
Notably, female voter participation surpassed male turnout in both Assam and Kerala.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised voters for their enthusiasm despite adverse weather, calling the turnout “highly commendable.” Similarly, Sarma described the election as a “movement” aimed at safeguarding Assam’s cultural identity.
Polling across 296 Assembly constituencies in the three regions was conducted peacefully, with over 5.31 crore voters taking part. In a first, the Election Commission ensured 100% live webcasting of polling stations, enhancing transparency in the electoral process.
