The 2026 Assembly elections in India are progressing with polling completed in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9. West Bengal will conduct voting in two phases on April 23 and 29, while Tamil Nadu will also vote on April 23. The election has become a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a recent statement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labeled the BJP as 'Bangla-birodhi,' emphasizing her commitment to safeguard the state's identity and inclusive culture. In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the TMC of disseminating misinformation regarding dietary restrictions. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK, part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has announced several candidates, while actor-politician Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is facing legal issues for allegedly breaching election conduct rules during a campaign event. Vote counting for all states is set for May 4.