India's Election Commission has announced the 2026 assembly election schedule for five key states, marking a high-stakes battle between national leaders and regional powerhouses. West Bengal will vote in two phases amid intense BJP-TMC rivalry, while Kerala and Assam head to polls on April 9. Results across all states will be declared on May 4, setting the stage for political drama.
The announcement on March 14 triggers a charged campaign season for West Bengal assembly elections 2026, Kerala legislative polls, and Assam elections 2026, testing Prime Minister Modi's influence against entrenched regional satraps.
West Bengal Poll Schedule
West Bengal's 294-seat assembly will see voting in two phases to manage security and logistics in this politically volatile state. Phase one details are pending, but phase two covers 142 seats, including Kolkata constituencies, likely on April 23 or 29. This structure echoes past elections, focusing on areas with high TMC-BJP tensions.
Kerala Elections Overview
Kerala's 140 seats go to polls in a single phase on April 9, pitting the incumbent Left Democratic Front (LDF) under Pinarayi Vijayan against the resurgent Congress-led UDF. Vijayan, India's longest-serving chief minister, faces anti-incumbency, but recent local poll gains signal UDF momentum and BJP's push for breakthrough.
Assam Voting Dynamics
Assam joins Kerala on April 9 for single-phase polling across its assembly seats, spotlighting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's BJP dominance. Key issues include illegal migration, identity politics, and Sarma's "infiltrator-free" rhetoric clashing with Congress rivals.
Key highlights
-
West Bengal: Two phases, 142 seats in phase two including Kolkata; TMC vs BJP showdown.
-
Kerala: April 9 single phase; LDF eyes third term amid UDF revival.
-
Assam: April 9 polls; Sarma leads on migration, demography fights.
-
All results: May 4, covering Tamil Nadu, Puducherry too.
-
Model code of conduct activates immediately.
Sources: India Today, News18, Economic Times, Hindustan Times