Election Dates 2026 Announcement Highlights: 'EC adhered requirement of its political masters,' TMC questions 2-phase polling in Bengal

BJP eyes gains in polls to five assemblies; West Bengal main challenge

Stakes are high for the BJP in the upcoming polls to five assemblies, with West Bengal being the major test case for the saffron party.

In the 2021 West Bengal assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the main opposition with its tally surging to 77 seats in the 294-member assembly from three in 2016.

With a recalibrated poll strategy, the BJP is confident of unseating the TMC from power this time by cashing in on the anti-incumbency sentiments against the Mamata Banerjee government. The party is also hoping to gain public sentiment by raising the issue of corruption and infiltration in the state.

The TMC has been in power in West Bengal for 15 years.

However, the biggest challenge for the BJP is the absence of a local charismatic leader in West Bengal. While the saffron party is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership to win the battle there, Banerjee continues to be a formidable face in the state.

In Assam, the BJP-led NDA is confident of scoring a hat-trick under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, banking on its governance record and organisational strength.

But its march to victory may not be a cakewalk, with the Congress-led opposition making efforts to cash in on anti-incumbency and local grievances against the ruling dispensation.

The BJP-led NDA may also face resistance from sections of minority voters, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims, amid criticism from the opposition over the government's eviction drives and rhetoric around illegal immigration.

Issues such as long-pending demands of six communities for Scheduled Tribe status could also figure in the electoral discourse.

The BJP has been on the rise in Assam since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and came to power in the state for the first time in 2016 by winning 60 seats in the 126-member assembly. It improved its tally to 64 in the 2021 assembly elections.

EC transfers West Bengal chief secretary, home secretary ahead of assembly polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the transfer of senior officers in the state government, following the announcement of the West Bengal assembly elections scheduled to be held in two phases.

In a letter dated March 15, addressed to the Chief Secretary of the West Bengal government in Kolkata, the EC said it has reviewed the poll preparedness for the general election to the legislative assembly of West Bengal and directs the following transfers.

The EC has directed that Dushyant Nariala (IAS-1993) be posted as Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal.

Ms Sanghamitra Ghosh (IAS-1997) has been posted as Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs, Government of West Bengal.

"I am directed to state that the Commission has reviewed the poll preparedness for the General Election to Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, 2026 and directs the following: Dushyant Nariala, (IAS-1993) be posted as Chief Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal. Sanghamitra Ghosh, (IAS-1997) be posted as Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal," the letter signed by Sujeet Kumar Mishra, Secretary, ECI, read.

"The directions of the Commission to be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent by 03:00 PM on March 16, 2026. Further, the officers transferred out shall not be posted in any election related posts till the completion of elections," the letter said.

The EC has removed the current Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakraborty, from her post and appointed Dushyant Nariala in her place.

This comes after the EC on Sunday announced the schedule for upcoming assembly elections in four states, including West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, along with one Union Territory, Puducherry.

Tamil Nadu assembly polls: Model code of conduct in force; Rs 2 lakh seized in Madurai

Following the announcement of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force across the state, with election officials seizing Rs 2 lakh in unaccounted cash in Madurai during vehicle inspection.

In Madurai's 189 - East Assembly Constituency, a vehicle inspection was carried out on March 15 at around 7:00 PM in the Rajakkur division, which falls under the East Circle, by the Static Surveillance Team (SST) 3rd Team (B Team) led by Sivagami Sundari.

According to the District PRO, during the inspection, Naresh Kumar was found carrying ₹2 lakh in cash without valid documents.

The officials seized the cash, and the amount was subsequently deposited in the Government Treasury as per the election monitoring procedures.

Election officials have been conducting these regular vehicle checks and inspections across constituencies following the implementation of the MCC to ensure a free and fair election.

With the MCC having come into force, Vellore District Collector and District Election Officer Subbulakshmi has also instructed all department officials, flying squad teams and static surveillance teams to act swiftly and remain vigilant.

A review meeting with officials of various departments, election flying squads and static surveillance teams was held under the leadership of District Election Officer and Collector Subbulakshmi and District Superintendent of Police Sivaraman at the Vellore District Collectorate.

During the meeting, detailed instructions were given regarding the procedures to be followed by the flying squads and surveillance teams. Officials were also directed to maintain strict monitoring and respond immediately to any complaints received.

'Throw away corrupt government of Himanta Biswa Sarma': Gaurav Gogoi ahead of Assam Assembly polls

Following the Election Commission of India's announcement of the 2026 Assembly election schedule, Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday expressed confidence that the people of the state would "uproot and throw away" the BJP-led government, stating that a Congress-led government would lead to the creation of a "new Assam".

Speaking to the media, Gogoi termed the incumbent government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma "corrupt", promising a state focused on development and the protection of fundamental rights under Congress.

"Assembly elections in Assam have been announced and I am fully hopeful that the people of Assam will bring a Congress-led government with full majority in Assam on the upcoming 9th date and will create a new Assam, a big Assam from which there will be development for all of us. We will all get the opportunity to live peacefully, and in accordance with our fundamental rights, we will all together create a new Assam. The people of Assam will uproot and throw away the corrupt government of Himanta Biswa Sarma," he said.

A day earlier, the Election Commission announced that in Assam, elections for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. Following the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into immediate effect in all poll-bound regions.

Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power.

Ahead of the polls, the state unit of the BJP flagged the "Jan Ashirwad Yatra" to interact with the people of Assam, with CM Sarma's active participation. During the first phase of the outreach programme, Sarma said that earlier he had travelled 1,200 km, spending 14 hours daily with the public.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: AIADMK chief Palaniswami rules out alliance with Vijay-led TVK

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday said neither his party nor its allies have held any talks with actor-politician Vijay’s fledgling party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), regarding an alliance for the April 23 Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters at an Iftar event, Palaniswami—flanked by Nainar Nagenthran, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Tamil Nadu chief, and TTV Dhinakaran of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam—reiterated that no discussions had taken place with TVK. “I have said this before. So far, AIADMK and leaders of its alliance parties have not held talks with the party that you have mentioned (in order to form an alliance for the Assembly polls),” he said.

Palaniswami noted that this was the third time he had clarified the issue, having earlier dismissed the possibility of an alliance with TVK on March 11 and March 14, describing such reports as media speculation. During a question-and-answer session at a media event on March 14, he also rejected suggestions of a rift with BJP leader K Annamalai, blaming the media for creating an impression of differences between them.

Elections 2026 Date: Political parties prepared for April 9 polls; urge EC for free, fair elections

Political parties in Assam said they are fully prepared for the Assembly elections scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 9, with opposition parties urging the Election Commission of India to ensure that the polls are conducted in a free and fair manner.

Leaders across parties said the relatively short campaign period ahead of the elections would not affect their prospects.

Senior spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rupam Goswami, said the electorate has already made up its mind and expressed confidence that the party will form the government in the state for a third consecutive term.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: 'EC adhered requirement of its political masters,' TMC questions 2-phase polling in Bengal

"The number of phases is solely a reflection of what the BJP wants and the Election Commission has only adhered to the requirement of its political masters," TMC spokesperson, Arup Chakraborty said.

"Else, how can one justify conducting eight-phase polls in the state in 2021 when people were dying of Covid infections and deciding to hold the polls in two phases now when there is no such bug. The number of polls doesn't matter, people will demolish the BJP irrespective of that," Chakraborty added.

Elections 2026 Date: CPM announces candidate list for 2026 Kerala assembly polls

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) announced that it will contest 86 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 9. State secretary MV Govindan said the party will field candidates in 86 constituencies, including 56 sitting MLAs who will seek re-election in the polls.

"CPI(M) will contest in 86 seats. 56 sitting MLAs will contest again. The Politburo meeting decided that one member from the Politburo should contest in the election. PB member and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will contest in the election. CPI(M) candidates were selected in a completely democratic manner," Govindan said.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: Bihar minister Dilip Jaiswal hails EC's poll dates announcement

"Elections will be held in two phases in Bengal and in these two phases of elections, the Election Commission is preparing to conduct the elections with greater transparency this time in Bengal, but among those local administrations, there are some people who are under the influence of power, but the Election Commission is keeping a close watch this time and a BJP government will be formed in Bengal," he said.

Elections 2026 Date: BJP will lose, and they will lose badly, says TMC after poll dates announcement

"Nothing has happened. They(BJP) will lose, and they will lose badly. You can write this down now, the Trinamool Congress will win more than 250 seats. Mamata Banerjee will return to power with more than 250 MLAs in the Assembly," TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: BJP hails EC declaration to hold two-phase polls in Bengal

"This is not merely an election, it is a civilisational battle. On 23rd and 29th April, the people of West Bengal will cast their vote in two phases to reclaim their future. The countdown to the end of Mahajungle Raj has begun. 50 days to go — 4th May will mark a new dawn for Bengal," BJP Bengal said in a post on X.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: EC warns of strict action against poll inducements, violence after Model Code kicks in, says CEC Gyanesh Kumar

"The Election Commission of India is constitutionally bound by Article 326 to include electors who are above 18 years of age, who are citizens of India and who are staying in that assembly constituency to be in the electoral rolls. The Election Commission of India has been undertaking this responsibility in the form of Special Intensive Revision. With regard to the political statements by certain political leaders or political parties, the Commission does not wish to engage in such dialogues. With regard to the decisions of certain governments just before the Model Code of Conduct came into force," he said.

"I have already explained earlier that in a democratic setup, the state and central governments in their own wisdom can take any policy or any other decision which they feel is appropriate. But once the Model Code of Conduct comes into operation, any decision which affects the outcome of the elections or works in a way of inducement is not allowed and the Model Code of Conduct has come into force just now. As far as the electoral process is concerned. Elections in India are held as per the Constitution, the law and the instructions. The Election Commission will not tolerate political violence and any inducement to influence the elections and will take strictest action against those doing so," he added.

The Election Commission announced by-elections to eight assembly constituencies across six states — Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.

Unveiling the schedule during a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said polling in the Assembly constituencies of Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura will be held on April 9. Voting in the constituencies of Gujarat and Maharashtra will take place on April 23.

The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four states—West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala—along with the Union Territory of Puducherry. Polling will take place between April 9 and April 29, while the results for all five legislative assemblies will be declared on May 4.

The elections are being held as the terms of these assemblies are set to expire between May and June 2026: West Bengal (May 7), Tamil Nadu (May 10), Assam (May 20), Kerala (May 23), and Puducherry (June 15).

Voting for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will be held in a single phase on April 23, the Election Commission of India announced. The counting of votes will take place on 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. The number of first-time eligible voters stands at about 12.51 lakh.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance secured a sweeping victory, winning 159 seats. The DMK alone bagged 133 seats, a significant rise from 98 seats five years earlier.

Its main rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which contested as part of the National Democratic Alliance, won 66 seats, a drop from the 136 seats it had secured in 2016.

The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections in Puducherry, with polling to be held in a single phase on April 9 and counting of votes on May 4. Voting will take place for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, speaking at a press conference, said elections across the four states and the Union Territory must be conducted in a free, fair and violence-free manner.

He added that the poll panel would take strict action against any attempts at violence or inducement, and would ensure greater transparency in the counting of votes and the announcement of results.

West Bengal, with polling for the state’s 294 constituencies, will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

The announcement was made by the poll panel led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during a press conference in New Delhi.

Voting in the state will take place in two phases. The first phase, covering 152 assembly constituencies, will be held on April 23, while the second phase, covering the remaining 142 constituencies, will be conducted on April 29.

Counting of votes for both phases will take place on May 4, and the entire election process is scheduled to be completed by May 6, the chief election commissioner said.

Elections will be held for all 140 seats of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, seeking a third consecutive term after a decisive victory in 2021.

The LDF is expected to face a strong challenge from the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also contest, aiming to expand its footprint in the state and potentially turn the race into a three-cornered contest.

In the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections, the LDF secured a historic second consecutive term, winning 99 seats, while the UDF won 41. The BJP failed to win any seats that year. The state recorded a voter turnout of 74.06 per cent.

Voting for the 126-member Assam assembly will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

The contest in Assam is expected to draw significant attention, as Himanta Biswa Sarma of the Bharatiya Janata Party seeks a third term as chief minister. The opposition Indian National Congress is aiming to regain lost ground, with state party chief Gaurav Gogoi leading its campaign.

So far, the Congress has released two lists of candidates for the Assembly polls, announcing a total of 65 nominees. The party’s second list included 23 candidates, among them Abdul Khaleque, Rakibuddin Ahmed and Bipul Gogoi, while 15 constituencies have been set aside for alliance partners under a seat-sharing arrangement.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: EC announces poll dates for 4 states and one UT

• Assam- April 9, Counting May 4
• Kerala- April 9, Counting May 4
• Puducherry- April 9, Counting May 4
• Tamil Nadu- April 23, Counting May 4
• West Bengal - April 23, April 29, Counting May 4

Election Date 2026: Tamil Nadu to go to polls on April 23; results on May 4

West Bengal will go to polls in 2 phases from April 23; results on May 4

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: Assam, Kerala, Puducherry to go to polls on April 9

Results to be announced on May 4

Elections 2026 Date: 17.4 crore electors roughly also comprise continent of Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada, informs CEC

"To give you a feel of numbers, 17.4 crore electors roughly also comprise the continent of Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. We will also see our guests from more than 20 countries, from their electoral commissions, who will be visiting these elections to witness the festive, transparent and efficient conduct of elections in India," he said.

Election Date 2026: 'No eligible elector should be left out, no ineligible voter included,' says CEC; EC to announce poll dates shortly

"Pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of any democracy. With this objective, the special intensive revision is being conducted as per Article 326 of the Constitution to ensure hat no eligible elector is left out, while no ineligible person is included in the electoral rolls. I congratulate all the booth level officers, assistant electoral registration officers, electoral registration officers, district election officers, and all election officials who were involved in this work for ensuring its smooth conduct and completion," CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

Elections 2026 Date: EC facilitated BLOs for doing an excellent work for the SIR, says CEC Gyanesh Kumar

"The Commission also facilitated the BLOs for doing an excellent work for the SIR. The Commission also interacted with the young and first-time voters, and our SWEEP icons, who are engaged in voter awareness activities," he said.

"As all of you are aware, these five states and UTs represent distinct geographical and cultural landscapes of India. These elections represent not only a democratic exercise, but also the cultural richness of India and truly reflect the unity and diversity of our nation," he added.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: EC visited all the poll-bound states to review the preparedness for the ensuing assembly elections, informs CEC Gyanesh Kumar

"Electors of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. During the past few days, the Commission visited all the poll-bound states to review the preparedness for the ensuing assembly elections. During these elections, during these visits, the Commission met all the recognised political parties and received their suggestions," he said.

"The Commission also met the district electoral officers, the SPs, the IGs, the DIGs and nodal officers of all the enforcement agencies. The Commission also had meetings with the chief electoral officers, chief secretaries and DGPs of the respective states and union territories," he added.

Election Date 2026: 17.4 crore electors to participate in the assembly elections of 4 states and one UT, informs CEC

The CEC Gyanesh Kumar assured free and fair elections in upcoming assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, TN, Kerala & Puducherry.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: EC begins presser, to announce poll dates for Assam, West Bengal, TN, Kerala & Puducherry

The ECI began the presser where it is set to announce poll dates for Assam, West Bengal, TN, Kerala & Puducherry.

Election Date 2026: EC to shortly announce poll dates for Assam, West Bengal, TN, Kerala, Puducherry

The Election Commission will shortly announce the schedule for assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The poll body's press conference will start at 4pm.

The terms of these legislative assemblies are set to expire on different dates in May and June. Meanwhile, the final electoral rolls for the four states and Puducherry have been released following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list.

Elections 2026 Date: 'EC should assure that there will be a fair election,' says SP chief Akhilesh Yadav

"The Election Commission has faced questions several times. Whether it's the discrimination over SIR or how the government looted votes in the by-elections, numerous questions have arisen. Therefore, as the Election Commission is about to announce elections in several states today, the Election Commission should assure that there will be a fair election and there will be no discrimination against anyone anywhere... This is a constitutional body, and it is their responsibility that no questions are raised about their credibility," he said.

Election Date 2026: Bengal government to clear DA arrears of its employees from March this year, says Mamata Banerjee

"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 institutions like panchayats, municipal bodies, other local bodies etc. They will start receiving their ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards as per the modalities detailed out in the Notifications issued by our Finance Department," she announced in a post on X.

Election Date 2026: Bengal govt hikes monthly honorarium for purohits, muezzins by Rs 500 hours before poll date announcement

Mamata Banerjee government announced a hike in the monthly honorarium for priests and muezzins in West Bengal, just hours before the Election Commission is set to declare the schedule for assembly elections in four states and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

"I am pleased to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive Rs 2,000 per month. At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the State Government. 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," Mamata Banerjee said in a post on X.

The announcement was made ahead of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which comes into force once the election schedule is officially announced.

Election Date 2026: 'Announced seats for our alliance partners,' says Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi

Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said the party is preparing for the upcoming Assam assembly elections, with the Election Commission expected to announce the poll dates later in the day. He added that the Congress has already allocated seats for its alliance partners.

"In view of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, the Congress Party has announced the second list for 23 seats. Along with this, we have also announced seats for our alliance partners, various regions, and national left-wing parties on 15 seats," he said.

Election 2026 Date: IUML says seat count in Kerala polls won’t be reduced; talks with UDF allies in final stage

Senior leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) P K Kunhalikutty on Sunday said the party’s number of seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections will not be reduced as discussions continue within the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) over seat-sharing.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with leaders of the Congress, Kunhalikutty said relations among UDF partners remain cordial and there are no major issues within the alliance ahead of the polls. In the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections, the IUML had contested 25 seats as part of the UDF alliance.

“The number of seats this time will not be reduced,” Kunhalikutty said, though he declined to clarify whether the party would seek a higher number of constituencies. He added that the final details regarding seat-sharing would be disclosed after the party’s leadership meeting scheduled for Monday, according to PTI.

“We will disclose everything after the party leadership meeting on Monday,” he said when asked about the final arrangement.

On being asked whether the IUML was satisfied with the ongoing negotiations within the alliance, Kunhalikutty said there were no disagreements among partners. “As I said, there is no problem. That means there is satisfaction,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan also indicated that seat-sharing talks with the IUML are nearing completion. He said the arrangement among UDF allies could be finalised after a brief round of discussions.

Election 2026 Date: Congress to announce Kerala poll candidates in phases after EC notification

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan on Sunday said the Congress will announce its candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections in phases once the official poll notification is issued.

Speaking to reporters, Satheesan said the delay in announcing candidates was due to uncertainty over the timing of the election schedule. “Since there was uncertainty over the election announcement, all parties decided to delay the candidate announcement. Once the election is declared, the candidates will be announced in different phases,” he said, according to PTI.

Satheesan also indicated that seat-sharing discussions within the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) are in their final stage and there are no disagreements among alliance partners. According to him, the issue could be resolved quickly through a short meeting among 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, adding that none of the UDF partners have demanded additional seats.

He further said that the alliance partners are moving forward in good coordination ahead of the elections. On the possibility of Members of Parliament contesting the Assembly polls, Satheesan said the final decision would be taken by the All India Congress Committee

Election 2026 Date: EC appoints central observers for upcoming polls

​The EC has appointed Central Observers in all five states and the UT under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

These officers will oversee field-level operations, monitor the deployment of security forces, and ensure that polling is conducted efficiently and fairly.

Election Date 2026: EC to hold press conference to declare poll schedule

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the schedule for assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry today.

The press conference at 4 PM will reveal official polling dates and phases. With the final electoral roll for West Bengal already published on February 28, covering over 6.4 crore voters, the commission will also address appeals and supplementary voter lists.​

Election Date 2026: Congress says UDF ready for Kerala polls, candidate list to follow EC schedule announcement

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday said the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has completed its preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections and will announce its candidates soon after the Election Commission of India (ECI) releases the poll schedule.

Speaking to reporters, Chennithala said many political observers had expected the election dates to be announced in the first week of March, but the delay in the official schedule has also pushed back the release of the Congress-led UDF’s candidate list. Once the Election Commission declares the election timeline, the opposition alliance is expected to move quickly to finalise and announce its nominees.

Chennithala expressed confidence that the state is ready for a political shift, asserting that the UDF is fully prepared to take on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). “Kerala is all set, and we are also set. The state is ready for a political change,” he said, indicating the alliance’s confidence ahead of the polls.

Responding to questions about whether Members of Parliament should contest the Assembly elections, Chennithala said the decision would ultimately be taken by the party leadership. “There is nothing wrong in anyone expressing the desire to contest the elections. However, the party will decide what needs to be done in such matters,” he said.

His remarks came amid speculation that senior Congress leader K Sudhakaran may be interested in contesting the Assembly polls. Chennithala said he had already spoken with Sudhakaran and that discussions would continue at the national level.

“I spoke to Sudhakaran yesterday. He will reach Delhi on Monday and we will discuss the matter. There are no particular issues,” Chennithala added, indicating that the party leadership will deliberate on potential candidates and electoral strategy once the poll schedule is officially announced.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry set for assembly polls as EC prepares to announce election schedule

Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry are set to head to the polls in the upcoming round of assembly elections, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) expected to announce the detailed schedule later today. Elections will be held for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and 30 seats in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, alongside polls in three other states.

In Tamil Nadu, the contest is expected to revolve around the MK Stalin-led Secular Progressive Alliance, spearheaded by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which is seeking a second consecutive term in office. The alliance is likely to face the BJP–AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in what is expected to be a closely watched political contest in the southern state.

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK emerged victorious with 133 seats, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) secured 66 seats. The Congress won 18 seats, and the state recorded a voter turnout of 76.6%. In the 2016 elections, however, the AIADMK had secured 134 seats, with the DMK winning 89 seats and Congress eight, while voter turnout stood at 73.6%.

Meanwhile, in Puducherry, elections will be held for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Legislative Assembly. The Congress is contesting in alliance with the DMK and CPI, while the opposition alliance consists of the All India NR Congress (AINRC), BJP and AIADMK.

During the 2021 Puducherry Assembly elections, the AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats, followed by the DMK with six seats, while the BJP and Congress secured six seats each. The Union Territory recorded a voter turnout of 84.8%. In the 2016 elections, the Congress had won 15 seats, followed by AINRC with eight, AIADMK with four, and DMK with two, with a voter turnout of 83.6%.

Ahead of the announcement, the Election Commission has been reviewing poll preparedness in the five poll-bound regions, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. According to an official release, the Commission has also appointed Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist in ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections and to oversee the efficient management of the electoral process at the ground level.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: LDF says BJP “will not open account” in Kerala

​
Kerala minister V Sivankutty on Sunday said the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF has completed preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections and expressed confidence that the BJP will not make inroads in the state. Speaking to reporters, the Nemom MLA said party workers are already active on the ground, and the campaign is set to gain momentum once candidate announcements are made.

“Our election preparations are complete and party workers are active on the ground. Candidates may be announced soon, after which the election campaign phase can begin,” Sivankutty said.

On the BJP’s possible candidature in Nemom, potentially fielding state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Sivankutty asserted, “BJP will not open the account. It is locked with double locks.” He highlighted that in Thiruvananthapuram district, the LDF had won 13 seats in the last Assembly elections, losing only Kovalam, which the party aims to recapture this time.

The minister also pointed to the government’s achievements over the past five years, noting that the last cabinet meeting was held on Saturday, and that development works had been completed as per the election manifesto, with no corruption allegations against ministers.

Sivankutty’s remarks also recalled the BJP’s historical performance: the party had won Nemom in 2016, marking its first Assembly win in Kerala, but the LDF recaptured it in 2021. He expressed confidence in a strong performance across the state in the upcoming polls.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: Voter rolls with judicial oversight, high security preparedness for polls

​Election security will see intensive deployment of CAPFs and state police personnel, with special observers monitoring randomization and preparedness.

Advanced deployment of central forces is already underway in West Bengal, Assam, and other poll-bound regions to manage logistics, voter movement, and maintain law and order during the election period.

The EC will continue the adjudication of around 60 lakh ‘doubtful’ voter cases in West Bengal, overseen by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court. Supplementary voter lists incorporating approved cases will be published shortly, ensuring all eligible voters have the chance to participate.

Returning officers for all 294 West Bengal constituencies have already been appointed.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date: From BJP to TMC, DMK in for a high stakes political battle, as polls might see fewer phases

The upcoming polls are shaping up to be highly competitive.

In West Bengal, the contest is between Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Tamil Nadu will see a battle between the DMK-led alliance, AIADMK-BJP combine, and Vijay’s TVK.

In Assam, the BJP faces challenges from Congress and regional parties. Kerala’s polls are expected to be a showdown between the LDF and UDF, while the BJP aims to influence a three-way fight. Puducherry’s contest involves local parties vying for power in a closely watched assembly.

​People familiar with the matter suggest the elections may be held over fewer phases compared to 2021.

West Bengal and Assam are likely to have multi-phase polling due to large electorates, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry may vote in single-phase polls.

The EC is expected to deploy substantial central armed police forces (CAPFs), with over 1,500 companies and more than 1.4 lakh personnel on standby to ensure free and fair elections.

Ahead of the announcement, the EC has been reviewing poll preparedness in the five poll-bound regions.

According to an official release, the Commission has also appointed Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist in ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections and to oversee the efficient management of the electoral process at the ground level.