The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four states, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala, as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Polling will be conducted between April 9 and April 29, while counting of votes for all five legislatures will take place on May 4.
The elections are being held as the terms of the current assemblies are set to expire between May and June 2026: West Bengal on May 7, Tamil Nadu on May 10, Assam on May 20, Kerala on May 23, and Puducherry on June 15.
The announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Kolkata, effectively launching the campaign. During his speech, he accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government of attempting to protect “infiltrators” during the recently completed Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, an Opposition motion led by the Trinamool Congress seeking the impeachment of the CEC over alleged bias during the revision process was submitted last week in both Houses of Parliament.
This time the elections are expected to be held in fewer phases than in 2021. In the previous assembly elections, West Bengal voted in eight phases, Assam in three phases, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry completed voting in a single phase.
This time as well, West Bengal and Assam are expected to have voting in multiple phases, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry may go to the polls in just one phase. Since the term of the West Bengal Assembly ends on May 7, voting in the state is likely to take place between April and early May.
The Election Commission will also continue reviewing around 60 lakh “doubtful” voter cases in West Bengal. These cases are being handled by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court, and further appeals can be made before special tribunals. Updated voter lists that include approved cases will be released later, as directed by the Chief Justice of the court.
At the same time, the Election Commission has started the process of appointing returning officers for all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal after the state government agreed to provide officers of the required seniority.
EC sets April 9, 23 for bypolls in five states
The Election Commission on Sunday announced by-elections for eight constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tripura.
Polling for the bypolls in Gujarat and Maharashtra will be held on April 23, while the remaining constituencies will vote on April 9. The counting of votes for all the by-elections will take place on May 4, the same day results for the Assembly polls will be declared.
Tamil Nadu assembly election 2026 details
Voting for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will take place in a single phase on April 23, the Election Commission of India announced on Sunday, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
According to the poll panel, the state has around 5.67 crore eligible voters, including 2.77 crore men and 2.89 crore women. Of these, about 12.51 lakh are first-time voters.
West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 details
West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases to elect representatives for its 294 Assembly constituencies, the Election Commission announced on Sunday.
The schedule was announced at a press conference in New Delhi by the poll panel headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Voting in the state will be held on April 23 and April 29. The first phase, covering 152 constituencies, will take place on April 23, while the second phase, covering the remaining 142 constituencies, will be held on April 29.
The counting of votes for both phases will be conducted on May 4, and the entire election process is expected to be completed by May 6, the Chief Election Commissioner said.
Check the full schedule for Assembly elections 2026
1. Assam- Date of Polling- 9th April; Date of Counting 4th May
2. Tamil Nadu- Date of Polling- 23rd April; Date of Counting- 4th May
3. West Bengal- Date of Polling- 23rd April (1st phase), 29th April (2nd phase) ; Date of Counting- 4th May
4. Keralam- Date of Polling- 9th April; Date of Counting- 4th May.
5. Puducherry- Date of Polling- 9th April; Date of Counting- 4th May
West Bengal to go to polls in two phases
West Bengal will go to polls in two phases from April 23. The results for the polls will be announced on May 4.
Election Commission announces polling dates
Assam, Kerala, Puducherry to go to polls on April 9. Results to be announced on May 4.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the EC will also ensure 100% webcasting across all polling stations to maintain transparency during the voting process.
He added that the voter base for the upcoming elections includes a significant number of elderly citizens, with centenarian voters aged over 100 present in states such as Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, as well as Puducherry. He added that there is also a sizeable number of electors aged 85 and above.
He also announced that model polling stations will be established across all states and Union Territories. In addition, there will be women-managed polling stations and polling booths run by persons with disabilities (divyangs).
EC ready for free, fair polls, says CEC
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday said that around 17.4 crore electors will participate in the upcoming elections, a number he noted is comparable to the combined populations of countries such as Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. He added that representatives from more than 20 countries’ electoral commissions will visit India to observe the polls and witness what he described as the “festive, transparent and efficient” conduct of elections in the country.
Kumar said the Election Commission, along with lakhs of polling officials and security personnel, is committed to ensuring free, fair, transparent, accessible and peaceful elections, while also providing voters with a smooth and comfortable experience at polling stations. He made a special appeal to youth and first-time voters, urging them to participate enthusiastically in the democratic exercise. “You are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic right, the right to vote… Your vote is your choice in shaping the future of your state and the nation,” he said.
'Your vote is your choice in shaping future': CEC urges first-time voters
Addressing young and first-time voters, the Chief Election Commissioner said they are about to take on one of the most important responsibilities of their lives. “You are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically. Your vote is your choice in shaping the future,” he said.
General overview ahead of polls by CEC Gyanesh Kumar
CEC will shortly anounce the polling dates for the five states.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar shares details ahead of poll dates announcement
CEC Gyanesh Kumar is speaking at the presser. He says there are 17.4 crore voters who will be participating in the upcoming polls in Assam, West Bengal, TN, Kerala and Puducherry.
The number of polling booths collectively in all 5 states are approx 2.18 lakhs, Kumar said.
ECI press briefing begins
ECI has started the press briefing and the poll dates for 5 states will be announced shortly.
Another big announcement comes from West Bengal CM
Another big announcement comes from West Bengal CM before the ECI announces the dates for the Assembly polls. Mamata Banerjee announced DA arrears for Bengal government staff due since 2009.
I am happy to announce that our Ma-Mati-Manush government has delivered on its promise to all its employees and pensioners, and to lakhs of teachers and non-teaching staff of our educational institutions, as well as employees/ pensioners of our other grant-in-aid instititions…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 15, 2026
Model Code of Conduct kicks in across all 5 regions the moment EC makes announcement
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will come into immediate force across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry the moment the Election Commission finishes its announcement today. The MCC restricts ruling party governments from making new policy announcements, using state machinery for campaigning, or distributing welfare benefits that could influence voters. This effectively freezes new government schemes in five states simultaneously — a significant constraint given the ongoing LPG crisis and Iran war economic fallout. All parties must cease use of public resources for electioneering from this hour onwards.
Hours before poll schedule, Mamata raises honorarium for purohits and muezzins
Just hours before the expected announcement of the Assembly election schedule, Mamata Banerjee has increased the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins by ₹500.
Announcing the move on X, the West Bengal Chief Minister said the government remains committed to supporting all communities and traditions. “We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened. Our endeavour remains to ensure that the custodians of our rich spiritual heritage receive the recognition and support they deserve,” she wrote.
Kerala polls: Congress candidates to be declared in phases, says VD Satheesan
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Sunday said the Congress will announce its candidates for the upcoming state Assembly elections in phases after the official poll notification is issued.
Speaking to reporters, Satheesan said the party had delayed announcing candidates due to uncertainty over when the election schedule would be declared. “Since there was uncertainty over the election announcement, all parties decided to delay the candidate announcement. Once the elections are announced, the candidates will be declared in different phases,” he said, according to PTI.
Satheesan also said seat-sharing talks within the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) are in the final stages and that there are no disagreements among alliance partners. He added that any pending issues could be resolved quickly through a brief meeting of the allies.
“The seat-sharing matter is in the final stage and there are no issues between the allies. If any seat exchange is required, discussions will be held,” he said, noting that none of the UDF partners have sought additional seats.
He further said the alliance partners are moving forward in close coordination ahead of the elections. On whether Members of Parliament could be fielded in the Assembly polls, Satheesan said the final decision will be taken by the All India Congress Committee.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Five regions prepare for Assembly Elections
Assembly elections are due in five key regions — West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. The terms of the current legislative assemblies in these areas are set to end in May and June, making it necessary for the Election Commission of India to conduct fresh elections and enable the formation of new governments.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Press conference to take place at 4 pm today
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will announce the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections on Sunday evening. Polls are due in five regions — West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. The poll body has scheduled a press conference at 4 pm where officials will formally declare the election dates.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Congress to announce Kerala candidates in phases after poll notification
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, V. D. Satheesan, on Sunday said the Indian National Congress will soon begin announcing its candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala. He said the party plans to release the candidate list in different phases after the official poll notification is issued by the Election Commission of India.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Returning officers being appointed for 294 seats
The Election Commission of India has also started appointing returning officers for all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal. The process began after the state government agreed to provide officers of the required seniority, ensuring that election preparations move forward smoothly ahead of the polls.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Review of 60 lakh ‘doubtful’ voter cases continues
Authorities are currently reviewing nearly 60 lakh “doubtful” voter cases in West Bengal. These cases are being examined by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court, and individuals whose names were flagged can still approach special tribunals to challenge the decisions.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Voting window likely between April and early May
Since the term of the West Bengal Assembly ends on May 7, voting in the state is expected to be scheduled between April and early May. The final timeline will be confirmed once the Election Commission of India officially announces the detailed poll schedule.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: West Bengal and Assam likely to have multiple phases
Even in the upcoming election cycle, West Bengal and Assam are expected to vote in multiple phases due to their size and security requirements. In contrast, polling in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry is likely to take place in a single phase.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: 2021 elections saw multiple polling phases
In the 2021 assembly elections, West Bengal voted in eight phases, while Assam held polling in three phases. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry completed voting in a single phase, reflecting differences in geography, security needs and electoral logistics.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Fewer phases expected in this election
This year’s assembly elections are expected to be conducted in fewer phases compared with the previous cycle in 2021. The Election Commission of India is likely to streamline the polling process, although security and logistical considerations will continue to determine the final number of phases.
ECI Assembly Election dates today live: Appeal deadlines already over in other states
In other poll-bound regions such as Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, the deadline to challenge the final electoral rolls has already passed. Authorities in these states have completed the revision process and finalised the voter lists ahead of the election announcement.
West Bengal Assembly Election dates today live: Last day to appeal Electoral Roll
The poll schedule announcement also coincides with the final day for filing appeals against the electoral roll in West Bengal. The final voter list for the state was released on February 28 and contains more than 6.4 crore registered voters, making it one of the largest electorates in the country.
Kerala Assembly Election dates today live: Impeachment motion submitted in Parliament
The impeachment motion targeting the Chief Election Commissioner was submitted last week in both Houses of the Parliament of India. Opposition leaders claim the revision of electoral rolls was not conducted fairly, while the poll body maintains that the process followed legal procedures and administrative guidelines.
Kerala Assembly Election dates today live: Opposition targets EC leadership
Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress has taken a strong stand against the leadership of the Election Commission of India. The party has led an Opposition motion seeking the impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner, accusing him of bias during the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
West Bengal Assembly Election dates today live: PM Accuses TMC Government of Protecting ‘Infiltrators’
During his speech in Kolkata, Narendra Modi accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of attempting to protect “infiltrators.” His remarks were linked to the recently completed Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which has become a major political issue ahead of the elections.