ThePrint CutTheClutter: We take a break from Iran war, & explain what's at stake in Assam, WB, Kerala, TN & Puducherry polls
Mar 19, 2026
DK Singh, political editor and analyst, gives a crisp walk-through of five crucial state and UT polls. He breaks down BJP vs regional parties in West Bengal, coalition maths and star power in Tamil Nadu, Kerala’s shifting UDF-LDF balance, Assam’s polarization and alliance shifts, and Puducherry’s local ties to Tamil Nadu. Sharp, concise political theatre across regions.
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Elections Proceed Amid Global Turmoil
- Indian assembly elections will proceed despite global wars and will shape national politics in the coming six weeks.
- Five jurisdictions go to polls: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry with results in first week of May.
Five States Show Distinct Political Battlegrounds
- Each state presents a different political dynamic: BJP incumbent in Assam, TMC incumbent in West Bengal, LDF in Kerala, DMK in Tamil Nadu and Congress-linked rule in Puducherry.
- These differences mean national parties play varying roles: challenger, incumbent or minor ally depending on state.
Vote Share Gap Limits BJP Upside In Bengal
- West Bengal shows persistent vote-share gap: TMC 48% vs BJP 38% in 2021, and BJP's share stayed similar in 2024 while TMC dipped slightly.
- BJP hopes to leverage PM Modi's popularity but past vote shares suggest a challenging climb.