Explained : Key elections, census and more: 10 political developments India will see in 2026 and Its Impact

The year 2026 is expected to be politically significant for India, with key elections, major policy debates, leadership changes, and long-pending national exercises set to shape the political narrative. From state polls and civic elections to constitutional amendments and internal security goals, several developments will test both the ruling BJP and the Opposition.

Here are the major political events likely to dominate headlines in 2026.

1. High-Stakes Elections Across States and Cities

The electoral calendar in 2026 is packed and politically crucial. After regaining momentum following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP enters the year from a position of strength, having won recent Assembly polls in states such as Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Bihar.

For the Opposition, the first major test will be the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on January 15, along with polls to 28 other municipal bodies in Maharashtra. Control of the BMC, India’s richest civic body, holds both administrative authority and symbolic value.

Later in the year, Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will draw national attention and could reshape political alignments.

Also Read: BMC Elections 2026: AAP manifesto promises free water, power, pothole-free roads, lots more

2. West Bengal: Another Crucial Battle for Power

West Bengal is expected to witness one of the most closely watched Assembly elections of 2026. The BJP is aiming to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and end the Trinamool Congress’s long rule.

However, the TMC continues to enjoy a strong grassroots organisation and retains significant support among minority voters. Political polarisation in the state has not always translated into electoral gains for the BJP.

The Left and the Congress, which failed to win seats in 2021, face the challenge of reviving their political relevance.

3. Tamil Nadu: Bipolar Politics Meets a New Challenger

Tamil Nadu’s traditional DMK–AIADMK rivalry may see new dynamics in 2026. The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, enters the election year with confidence, backed by welfare-focused governance and a divided Opposition.

At the same time, actor Vijay’s formal entry into politics has added uncertainty. His influence could affect vote shares across parties, especially within the Opposition space. The Assembly polls, expected around April, will determine whether the DMK can secure a second straight term.

4. Assam: Alliance Politics Under the Spotlight

In Assam, the Congress is seeking a comeback after a decade out of power. The BJP enters the contest with a strong alliance that includes the AGP and UPPL, while relying on its established electoral strategy in the state.

The Congress has formed a broad coalition with several regional and Left parties. However, its decision not to ally with the AIUDF could lead to a split in minority votes, which may affect its electoral prospects.

5. Kerala: A Possible Shift in Long-Standing Patterns

Kerala’s Assembly elections could mark a turning point. Recent local body results suggest that the ruling Left Democratic Front may be facing voter fatigue, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front appears to be gaining momentum.

A loss for the Left would be significant, potentially leaving India without a Communist Chief Minister for the first time in decades. The BJP is also aiming to expand its presence and is targeting incremental gains in seat numbers.

Also Read: Indian Parliament in 2025: From VB-G RAM G to Waqf and Constitution amendment — Key bills that sparked debate

6. Push for ‘One Nation, One Election’

One of the most debated policy issues in 2026 is likely to be the Centre’s proposal for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, commonly known as “One Nation, One Election”.

The government is expected to bring constitutional amendment bills to Parliament to enable this change. Since such amendments require a special majority, the process is likely to involve intense political negotiations and Opposition resistance.

7. Deadline to End Left-Wing Extremism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set March 2026 as the target to eliminate Left-wing extremism in the country. Security operations against Maoist groups have intensified, particularly in Chhattisgarh and neighbouring regions.

While there is limited political opposition to the current security approach, debates may arise over the effectiveness and long-term impact of the strategy, especially in comparison to earlier governments.

8. Census and Delimitation Concerns

India’s long-delayed decadal Census is scheduled to begin in 2026, marking the first digital Census and the first to include caste enumeration. The houselisting phase will run from April to September, followed by population counting in early 2027.

The Census is expected to revive debates around delimitation, which is constitutionally mandated after the first Census conducted post-2026. Southern states have raised concerns about the potential loss of parliamentary representation, making this a sensitive political issue.

Also Read: D K Shivakumar to become Karnataka CM in early January, claims Congress MLA

9. New BJP President and Opposition Strategy

The BJP is expected to formally appoint Nitin Nabin as its national president in the first half of 2026. His focus is likely to be on sustaining electoral gains while expanding the party’s footprint in eastern and southern India.

On the Opposition side, the Congress has indicated a renewed emphasis on livelihood and economic issues, including a nationwide campaign around changes to employment guarantee legislation.

10. Rajya Sabha Elections in Mid-2026

Biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 59 seats across 17 states are scheduled for April and June 2026. Based on current Assembly numbers, the ruling NDA is expected to make gains, though Congress may also see marginal improvements in its tally.