NEW DELHI, Mar 15: The Election Commission of India unveiled the much-awaited schedule for assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, setting polling for a single day in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9; two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29; and Tamil Nadu on April 23, with votes for all 824 seats counted on May 4.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, emphasized zero tolerance for violence or inducement during the high-stakes polls. “Elections must be free, fair, and peaceful—any violations will invite strict action,” Kumar declared at a press conference, noting the Model Code of Conduct has activated immediately.
Kumar detailed the calendar: All 126 Assam seats on April 9 under BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma (CM since 2021); Kerala’s 140 seats same day, pitting LDF’s Pinarayi Vijayan (in power since 2016) against rivals; Puducherry’s 30 elected + 3 nominated seats (33 total) also April 9, led by N Rangasamy (since 2021); Tamil Nadu’s 234 seats on April 23, where DMK’s MK Stalin holds fort since 2021; and West Bengal’s 294 seats across April 23-29 under TMC’s Mamata Banerjee (ruling since 2011).
The announcement caps intense speculation, with parties ramping up campaigns amid economic pressures, regional issues, and national alliances. EC urged voter turnout maximization, deploying extensive security including central forces to ensure seamless conduct across diverse terrains from Assam’s hills to Tamil Nadu’s coasts.
