ECI announces election schedule for 4 States, Puducherry; two-phase polling in West Bengal

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday (March 15, 2026) announced the schedule for Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle in over 800 constituencies.

The polling will begin in early April, with different States voting on separate dates. Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will go to the polls on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23. Voting in West Bengal will be held in multiple phases beginning April 23. Counting of votes for all five Assemblies will take place on May 4.

Announcing the schedule, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the poll panel had completed consultations with political parties and State administration to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

With the announcement of the schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the poll-bound State and Union Territory.