- Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9
- Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23.
- West Bengal, will witness polling in two phases—April 23 and April 29 (due to its large electorate and administrative requirements)
- Counting of votes scheduled for May 4, 2026
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in four states—Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal—and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The announcement marks the beginning of the electoral process in five key regions whose assembly terms are nearing completion in the coming months.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that the elections will be conducted in phases between April and the end of the month, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4, 2026.
According to the schedule released by the Commission, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal, due to its large electorate and administrative requirements, will witness polling in two phases—April 23 and April 29.
With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect across the poll-bound states and the Union Territory. The Commission said strict monitoring mechanisms will be in place to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
The electoral exercise will involve millions of voters and thousands of polling stations across the five regions. Election officials, security personnel, and observers will be deployed extensively to oversee the process and maintain law and order during polling.
The elections are expected to witness intense political contests across all the states. In West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress is likely to face strong challenges from the Bharatiya Janata Party and other opposition forces. Tamil Nadu will once again see a major battle among the state’s dominant Dravidian parties, while Kerala is expected to witness the traditional contest between the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front.
In Assam, the ruling alliance will attempt to retain power against an increasingly active opposition. Meanwhile, Puducherry is likely to witness competitive coalition politics, as regional and national parties prepare for a closely fought election.
The Election Commission has directed state administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate security arrangements, particularly in sensitive constituencies. Special attention will also be given to facilitating voting for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and first-time voters.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring maximum voter participation and maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.
With political parties now preparing their campaign strategies, candidate lists, and alliances, the announcement has set the stage for an intense electoral season across eastern and southern India.
Polling Schedule (State-wise)
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Assam
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Polling Date: April 9, 2026
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Phases: Single phase
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Total Seats: 126 Assembly constituencies
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Kerala
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Polling Date: April 9, 2026
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Phases: Single phase
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Total Seats: 140 Assembly constituencies
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Puducherry (Union Territory)
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Polling Date: April 9, 2026
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Phases: Single phase
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Total Seats: 30 Assembly constituencies
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Tamil Nadu
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Polling Date: April 23, 2026
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Phases: Single phase
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Total Seats: 234 Assembly constituencies
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West Bengal
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Polling Dates:
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Phase 1: April 23, 2026
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Phase 2: April 29, 2026
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Total Seats: 294 Assembly constituencies
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Counting of Votes: May 4, 2026
Key Political Battlegrounds
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West Bengal
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Expected to witness a high-stakes contest.
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The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while the Left-Congress alliance also seeks to regain lost political ground.
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Tamil Nadu
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The state remains dominated by Dravidian politics.
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The main battle is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), with national parties attempting to expand their presence.
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Kerala
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Traditionally sees a bipolar contest between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).
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The election will determine whether the ruling Left alliance can retain power or the Congress-led opposition regains control.
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Assam
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A crucial northeastern state where the BJP-led alliance will aim to defend its government.
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Opposition parties, including the Congress and regional groups, are attempting to consolidate anti-incumbency votes.
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Puducherry
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Politics in the Union Territory is highly coalition-driven.
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Both national and regional parties are expected to compete fiercely, making the election potentially unpredictable.
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