Thu Jan 01 12:22:20 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article, suitable for publication on January 1, 2026:

Summary:

India is gearing up for a politically charged 2026, with key Assembly elections scheduled in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The BJP aims to expand its influence, particularly in the South, while a fragmented opposition seeks to halt its progress. Key issues include incumbency, language, center-state relations, migration, and communal polarization. The Election Commission of India (ECI)’s special revision of electoral rolls has sparked controversy, with the opposition alleging disenfranchisement. Besides state elections, Rajya Sabha elections are also on the cards, with around 75 seats becoming vacant.

News Article:

India Braces for Key State Elections in 2026 Amidst Political Tensions

Chennai, January 1, 2026 – India enters 2026 facing a series of crucial Assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry, setting the stage for a year of intense political battles. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is strategizing to solidify its power, especially in the southern states, which have historically been resistant to its influence. A diverse and often divided opposition aims to challenge the BJP’s momentum.

Across the election-bound states, key issues such as incumbency, center-state relations, migration (both internal and cross-border), language politics, and communal polarization are expected to dominate the campaigns.

Controversy surrounds the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. While the ECI says it’s a clean-up process, opposition parties, including the Congress, are alleging that the deletion of lakhs of names from the draft rolls is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters, potentially favoring the ruling party. The Congress party has even accused the ECI of colluding with the ruling party in ‘vote theft’.

  • Assam: The BJP, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will focus on issues such as illegal migration and the protection of Assamese identity. The Congress, under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, is campaigning against what it calls an “anti-people BJP government,” emphasizing its stance against religious hatred. The AIDUF and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) are also key players in the state.
  • Tamil Nadu: The DMK, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, will champion its “Dravidian ideology,” focusing on social justice, state autonomy, rationalism, and Tamil identity. The AIADMK, allied with the BJP, is targeting the government on issues such as women’s safety, drug menace, and rising state debt. All major parties in the state have expressed concerns about the deletion of a large number of voters in the new electoral roll. The election will also mark the debut of actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
  • Kerala: Incumbency will be a major factor as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan leads the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The revival of the United Democratic Front (UDF), as seen in recent local polls, poses a significant challenge. The BJP, with its growing presence in the state, is also a serious contender.
  • West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces pressure from the BJP, which is raising concerns about illegal immigration and law and order. The TMC is countering by emphasizing regional identity and accusing the central government of discrimination in fund allocation. Mamata Banerjee has announced that the TMC would go solo.
  • Puducherry: The Union Territory of Puducherry is set for a close contest between the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the BJP. The ruling coalition between AINRC and BJP will continue for the 2026 Assembly polls.

Adding to the political intrigue, elections to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian Parliament) are also scheduled for 2026, with approximately 75 seats becoming vacant as members’ terms expire. Key leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharad Pawar, and H.D. Deve Gowda are among those whose terms are ending, potentially reshaping the political landscape of the upper house. The BJP, while the largest party in the Rajya Sabha, is hoping to gain seats to close the gap to a majority, which is required to pass constitutional amendments.

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