India, Jan. 7 -- The Indian National Congress on Wednesday appointed a fresh set of observers for Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as it accelerates preparations for the Assembly elections scheduled in these states and the Union Territory in 2026.

Assam and West Bengal are expected to go to the polls in March-April 2026, while Kerala is likely to vote in April. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to hold Assembly elections in April-May next year.

According to the list released by the party, former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar have been appointed as observers for Assam, along with Bandhu Tirkey. In a move signalling a stronger organisational focus, C...