Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the voters, especially the youth and women, of Assam and Kerala to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise as the high-stakes voting begins.

Polling for the high-stakes Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry commenced at 7 a.m. earlier in the day.

The polling is underway for 126 Assembly seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry. The results will be announced on May 4.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “As polling begins for the Assam Assembly elections 2026, I appeal to the people of Assam to exercise their franchise in large numbers. I hope that the state’s youth and women voters participate enthusiastically and make this election a celebration of democracy and public duty.”

In another post, he also called upon the people of Kerala to vote in large numbers in the Assembly elections.

“Record participation will add vigour to Keralam’s democratic spirit. I particularly request the youth and women of the state to step forward and vote in large numbers,” he said.