Assembly Poll Dates Out For West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam And Puducherry

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory: West Bengal (April 23 and 29), Tamil Nadu (April 23), Kerala (April 9), Assam (April 9) and Puducherry (April 9). Counting for all of them is on May 4.

This sets in motion an electoral cycle that will determine governments across approximately 824 seats.

Some 17.4 crore people will vote in the elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said at a press briefing this evening in Delhi. There are 2.50 crore voters in Assam, 2.70 crore in Kerala, 9.44 lakh in Puducherry, 5.67 crore in Tamil Nadu, and 6.44 crore in West Bengal.

"The electoral commissions from 20 nations will come to India to see our democratic processes and learn from us," he said.

The Election Commission of India today announced the schedule for Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.#ElectionsWithNDTV #AssemblyElections2026 pic.twitter.com/Qx5ODXOthu

— NDTV (@ndtv) March 15, 2026

The Model Code of Conduct came into force across the five poll-bound states the moment Kumar made the announcement.

The CEC made a special appeal to young and first-time voters, saying, "My dear friends, you are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic right, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this great democratic exercise and cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence. Your vote is your choice in shaping the future of your state and the nation."

The CEC emphasised the importance of maintaining "pure electoral rolls" in elections, calling them the "bedrock of any democracy."

"With this objective the special intensive revision is being conducted as per Article 326 of the Constitution to ensure that no eligible elector is left out while no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll," Kumar said.

"As all of you are aware, these five states and Union Territory represent distinct geographical and cultural landscapes of India. These elections represent not only a democratic exercise but also the cultural richness of India, and truly reflect the unity in diversity of our nation," he added.

Assam will see a fight between the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the Congress for 126 seats.

In Kerala, the main fight is between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) for 140 seats. The NDA is also in the battle, and will face both the warring alliances. The BJP plans to contest around 100 seats in Kerala, while its allies Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) and Twenty20 are expected to contest the remaining 40 seats as part of the alliance.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is seeking a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP is looking to unseat the Trinamool. The state has 294 assembly seats.

Down south in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin's Secular Progressive Alliance led by the DMK faces the BJP-AIADMK combine, as both prepare to win the most among 234 assembly seats.

In Puducherry, Chief Minister N Rangasamy's AINRC faces the DMK-Congress alliance.