New Delhi (India) March 15:The Election Commission of India announced the dates for the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Voters in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will head to the polls on April 9, with the results being counted on May 4. Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23, also with counting on May 4. Meanwhile, West Bengal’s elections will take place in two phases—on April 23 and April 29—with results to be announced on May 4.

Voter Roll Emphasis

During a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate electoral rolls.
Kumar emphasized that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was conducted in accordance with Article 326 of the Constitution to ensure that every eligible voter is included and that no ineligible voters are allowed on the list. “Pure electoral rolls,” he stated, are the “bedrock of democracy.”

Kerala's Election Battle

In Kerala, the elections will take place in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with counting on May 4, 2026. The state has 140 constituencies, and this election is expected to be competitive, with the Left Democratic Front currently in power facing a strong challenge from the United Democratic Front. The National Democratic Alliance is also aiming to establish its presence in the state.

Puducherry Power Clash

The Union Territory of Puducherry will also vote in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with results announced on May 4, 2026. This election promises to be thrilling, featuring a high-stakes contest between the ruling AINRC-BJP alliance and the opposition DMK-Congress coalition. There are 30 assembly seats up for grabs, of which 5 are reserved for Scheduled Castes.

Tamil Nadu Polls

The much-anticipated elections in Tamil Nadu will occur on April 23, with results declared on May 4. The current government’s term ends on May 10, and the state assembly consists of 234 seats, with approximately 2.77 crore voters.

Assam's Third Term Bid

Assam will vote on April 9 for its 126 assembly seats, with the results also coming on May 4. The BJP-led NDA is currently in power for a third consecutive term, and Chief Minister Sarma has announced that all candidates for the upcoming election will be revealed by March 16 or 17.

Bengal's Two-Phase Election

In West Bengal, the elections will unfold in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4. The assembly has 294 seats, and the contest is expected to be fierce between the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee since 2011, and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The terms of the assemblies in these states and the Union Territory will expire between May and June. Specifically, the West Bengal assembly term ends on May 7, Tamil Nadu's on May 10, Assam's on May 20, Kerala's on May 23, and Puducherry's on June 15.