Assembly Elections 2026: EC Announces Poll Dates For Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam And Puducherry

New Delhi, March 15: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections in five regions — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The elections will cover more than 800 assembly constituencies and involve around 17.4 crore voters across the country.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the polling dates during a press conference in New Delhi, assuring that the elections will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful manner.

Polling Schedule

Kerala (Keralam): April 9 – Single phase Assam: April 9 – Single phase Puducherry: April 9 – Single phase Tamil Nadu: April 23 – Single phase West Bengal: Two phases on April 23 and April 29 Counting Of Votes The counting of votes for all states and Puducherry will take place on May 4. Massive Election Exercise

According to the Election Commission, around 2.18 lakh polling stations will be set up across the poll-bound states, including nearly 80,000 polling stations in West Bengal alone.

The Commission also stated that special arrangements will be made at polling booths, including:

Drinking water facilities

Toilets and proper signages

Wheelchairs and ramps for elderly and differently-abled voters

Help desks and volunteers

Adequate lighting inside voting compartments

Appeal To Voters Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar urged young and first-time voters to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process.

He said voting is one of the most important responsibilities of citizens, encouraging voters to come forward and help shape the future of the country.

High-Stake Political Battles

The elections are expected to witness intense political contests in all five regions:

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is aiming for a fourth consecutive term.

In Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin seeks a second term, while the opposition alliance hopes to challenge the ruling party.

In Kerala, the traditional Left vs Congress battle is expected again.

In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is looking to retain power for a second term.

In Puducherry, Chief Minister N Rangasamy is aiming for a third term.

With crores of voters set to participate, the 2026 assembly elections are expected to become one of the largest democratic exercises in the world.

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