Election Commission Announces Schedule For Five-State Assembly Polls

Nationwide Poll Preparations
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that polling will begin on April 9 in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, followed by Tamil Nadu on April 23. West Bengal, with its 294 constituencies, will vote in two phases April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes for all states is scheduled for May 4.

Ensuring Free And Fair Elections
The ECI has enforced the Model Code of Conduct across all poll-bound regions. To ensure impartiality, senior administrative and police officials have been reshuffled in West Bengal and other states. Around 2.18 lakh polling stations will be set up, managed by nearly 2.5 million election officials, ensuring smooth conduct of the elections.

Political Significance
These elections are expected to set the tone for the national political landscape ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Parties including the Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, and regional allies are intensifying campaigns to secure voter confidence in their respective states.

Key Highlights

• Assembly elections scheduled for April 2026
• States: West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
• 824 constituencies and 17.4 crore voters involved
• West Bengal to vote in two phases
• Counting of votes on May 4

Sources: The Hindu, Times Now, India TV News