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Here are the major political events that are likely to make headlines in 2026.
1. High-risk elections in states and cities
The 2026 election calendar is extremely busy and politically significant. Having regained momentum after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is entering this year in a strong position, having won the recent assembly elections in states like Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Bihar.
For the opposition, the first big test will be the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on January 15, along with elections for 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 attract national attention and may reshape political alliances.
Also read: BMC elections 2026: AAP manifesto promises free water, electricity, pothole-free roads and more
2. West Bengal: Another important battle for power
2026 is expected to be one of the most watched assembly elections in West Bengal. The BJP aims to remove Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from power and end the long rule of the Trinamool Congress.
However, TMC enjoys a strong grassroots organization and retains significant support among minority voters. Political polarization 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 is getting a new challenge
Tamil Nadu’s traditional DMK-AIADMK rivalry may see new dynamics in 2026. The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, is entering the election year with confidence, backed by welfare-centric governance and a divided opposition.
At the same time, actor Vijay’s formal entry into politics has increased the uncertainty. Their influence can affect vote share across parties, especially in the opposition sector. The assembly elections to be held around April will decide whether the DMK will be able to secure a second consecutive term or not.
4. Assam: Coalition politics is in the headlines
In Assam, Congress is trying to make a comeback after being out of power for a decade. Relying on its established election strategy in the state, the BJP is entering the elections with a strong alliance that includes AGP and UPPL.
The Congress has formed a broad alliance with several regional and left parties. However, its decision not to forge an alliance with the AIUDF could lead to a split in minority votes, which could affect its electoral prospects.
5. Kerala: Possible change in long-standing pattern
Kerala assembly elections may prove to be 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 seems to be gaining momentum.
The loss will be significant for the Left, as India will likely be left without a Communist chief minister for the first time in decades. The BJP is also aiming to expand its presence and increase its seat count.
6. Emphasis on ‘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 introduce a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament to enable this change. Since such amendments require a special majority, the process is likely to involve intense political negotiations and resistance from the opposition.
7. Deadline to end Left Wing Extremism
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set the target of March 2026 to end left-wing extremism in the country. Security operations against Maoist groups have intensified, especially in Chhattisgarh and neighboring areas.
Although there is limited political opposition to the current security approach, there may be debate 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 decennial census is scheduled to begin in 2026, which will be the first digital census and the first to include caste enumeration. The houselisting phase will run from April to September, followed by the population count in early 2027.
The census is expected to reignite the debate over delimitation, which is constitutionally mandated after the first census is conducted after 2026. Southern states have raised concerns about the potential loss of parliamentary representation, making it a sensitive political issue.
Also read: Congress MLA claims, DK Shivakumar will become the CM of Karnataka in the beginning of January
9. New BJP president and opposition’s 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 maintaining electoral gains while expanding the party’s footprint in eastern and southern India.
On the opposition side, the Congress has signaled a renewed emphasis on livelihood and economic issues, including a nationwide campaign for changes to the employment guarantee law.
10. Rajya Sabha elections in mid-2026
Biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 59 seats across 17 states are scheduled in April and June 2026. Based on the current assembly numbers, the ruling NDA is expected to make gains, although the Congress may also see slight improvement in its seats.