New Delhi – The Election Commission of India (ECI) today shared the full plan for the upcoming assembly polls in five places: Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry. This big news came during a press meet at 4 PM in Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar spoke about it. He said the polls will cover 17.4 crore voters and 824 seats. There will be 2.19 lakh polling booths and about 25 lakh staff to handle everything. The Model Code of Conduct starts right away to keep things fair.
These elections are important because the current assemblies in these areas end soon. West Bengal’s term finishes on May 7, Tamil Nadu on May 10, Assam on May 20, Kerala on May 23, and Puducherry on June 15. The ECI wants to finish voting before these dates. Polling will happen in different ways. Some states will vote on one day, but West Bengal will have two rounds because of its size and past needs for safety.
The ECI team, led by Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, checked things on the ground in all these places. They went to Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and last to West Bengal on March 9-10. They talked to police, officials, and party leaders to make sure everything is ready. Gyanesh Kumar said, “We have looked at all sides to ensure free and fair polls. Security will be tight, especially where needed.”
In Assam, voting will be on April 9, and results on May 4. Assam has 126 seats. Last time in 2021, the BJP-led group won 75 seats. The state has about 2.6 crore voters now, up from before. The ECI has set up many booths to help people vote easily.
Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23, with counting on May 4. It has 234 seats and around 5.67 crore voters, including 2.77 crore men, 2.89 crore women, and some third gender. In 2021, the DMK won 133 seats. The state has a strong history of big parties like DMK and AIADMK fighting hard.
Kerala also votes on April 9, results May 4. Kerala has 140 seats and about 2.8 crore voters. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) won 99 seats in 2021, breaking the usual change every five years. Kerala is known for high voter turnout, often over 70 percent.
West Bengal gets two phases: April 23 and April 29, counting May 4. It has 294 seats and around 6.4 crore voters. In 2021, the TMC won 211 seats. The ECI said fewer phases this time because things are calmer, but more forces will be there for safety. TMC leader Mamata Banerjee said earlier, “We want fair polls without trouble.”
Puducherry votes on April 9, results May 4. It has 30 seats and about 7.88 lakh voters, with more women than men. In 2021, the AINRC-BJP group won. The UT has small areas spread out, so planning is key.
The ECI focused on making polls safe from money and muscle power. They will watch spending closely. Gyanesh Kumar added, “We have plans to stop wrong things like cash flow. Teams are ready.” Voter lists are final now. For West Bengal, the final roll came out on February 28 with 6.4 crore names. Other places finished earlier.
These polls are a big test for parties. In Assam, the BJP wants to stay in power. In West Bengal, TMC faces BJP again. Tamil Nadu sees DMK strong, but others try. Kerala might see LDF win again. Puducherry has mix of local and national parties.
Looking back, these states have seen changes. In Assam, before 2021, Congress ruled long, but BJP took over in 2016 with 86 seats. Tamil Nadu flips between DMK and AIADMK. In 2016, AIADMK won 134 seats, but DMK came back in 2021. Kerala usually changes governments. UDF won in 2016 with 57 seats, but LDF broke that in 2021. West Bengal had Left rule for 34 years till 2011, when TMC won 184 seats, then more in 2016 and 2021. Puducherry sees Congress often, but in 2021, others won.
Parties reacted quickly. BJP’s Amit Shah said in a meet, “We are ready for fair fight in all states.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “People will choose change where needed.” TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee said, “Bengal will show strength again.” In Tamil Nadu, AIADMK chief said, “We will work hard.” No big fights yet, but campaigns will start soon.
The ECI said they will use tech for better voting. Apps for complaints, online forms for new voters. They want more young people to vote. Total staff includes police from center, over thousands in places like West Bengal.
These elections matter for India. They show how people feel midway to next big polls. Over 17 crore voters will decide leaders for these areas. The ECI promises clean process.
Detailed Election Schedule
The polls start with nominations soon. Last date to file papers varies by phase. Scrutiny and withdrawal follow. Voting days: April 9 for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry; April 23 and 29 for West Bengal; April 23 for Tamil Nadu. All results on May 4.
Voter and Constituency Breakdown
- Assam: 126 constituencies, 2.6 crore voters.
- Tamil Nadu: 234 constituencies, 5.67 crore voters.
- Kerala: 140 constituencies, 2.8 crore voters.
- West Bengal: 294 constituencies, 6.4 crore voters.
- Puducherry: 30 constituencies, 0.79 crore voters. Total: 824 seats, 17.4 crore voters.
Historical Overview of Past Elections
In 2021, big changes happened. West Bengal: TMC got 211 seats, BJP 77. Assam: BJP 60, allies helped win. Tamil Nadu: DMK 133, AIADMK 66. Kerala: LDF 99, UDF 41. Puducherry: AINRC 10, BJP 6, formed government.
Before that, 2016: West Bengal TMC 211, Left 32. Assam BJP 60 first time. Tamil Nadu AIADMK 134. Kerala LDF 91. Puducherry Congress 15.
Political Reactions and Statements
Congress said, “We hope ECI keeps polls fair.” BJP: “Ready to serve people.” TMC: “No fear, we trust voters.” DMK leader M K Stalin: “Time for good work.” LDF in Kerala: “People know our record.”
FAQs
What are the polling dates for the 2026 assembly elections?
Polling is on April 9 for Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Tamil Nadu on April 23. West Bengal on April 23 (phase 1) and April 29 (phase 2). Counting for all on May 4.
How many voters and seats are involved?
There are 17.4 crore voters across 824 constituencies. Assam has 126 seats, Tamil Nadu 234, Kerala 140, West Bengal 294, Puducherry 30.
Why is West Bengal voting in two phases?
Due to its large size and need for security. In 2021, it was eight phases, but now fewer as situation is better. ECI will deploy more forces.
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
It starts after announcement. It stops new schemes, transfers, and keeps ads fair. Helps clean polls.
How were voter lists prepared?
ECI did special checks. Final rolls out: West Bengal February 28 with 6.4 crore. Others earlier. Appeals done.
What about security?
ECI plans big force deployment, especially West Bengal. Checked with police in visits.
Can I check my voter status?
Yes, on ECI site or app. Use EPIC number.
What if I have complaints?
Use cVIGIL app or call helpline 1950.