India’s state assembly elections began on Thursday with voting held in Assam, Kerala, and the union territory of Puducherry. Millions of voters participated in the first phase, marking the start of four key regional elections this month. The Election Commission announced that results for all five participating regions will be declared on May 4. A total of 296 seats were contested on the first day, including 126 in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry.

The commission reported that 174 million voters are eligible across the five regions, representing about 18 percent of India’s electorate. The elections take place amid an energy shortage linked to the Middle East conflict. Assam remains under BJP control, while Puducherry is governed by a coalition including the party. However, the BJP has never formed governments in West Bengal, Kerala, or Tamil Nadu, where it faces strong regional rivals.

Opposition parties view the elections as a test of unity against the BJP’s dominance. The vote also comes amid controversy over the Special Intensive Revision process, which opposition groups allege has unfairly removed Muslim voters from rolls—an accusation denied by both the BJP and the Election Commission.