New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in five states and union territories—West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Voting will be held between April 9 and April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.
Announcing the poll schedule, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that around 17.4 crore voters are expected to participate in the elections. He also noted that representatives from more than 20 countries’ electoral commissions will visit India to observe the electoral process.
“The elections represent the cultural richness of India’s democratic traditions and reflect the unity and diversity of the nation,” Kumar said, assuring that the polls will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
Poll Schedule
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Kerala – April 9
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Assam – April 9
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Puducherry – April 9
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Tamil Nadu – April 23
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West Bengal – April 23 and April 29
All results will be declared on May 4.
Assembly Strength
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West Bengal: 294 seats
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Tamil Nadu: 234 seats
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Kerala: 140 seats
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Assam: 126 seats
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Puducherry: 30 seats
Political Stakes
The elections are expected to be a major political contest involving national parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress, along with strong regional forces.
In West Bengal, the ruling All India Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will seek another term, while the BJP is mounting a strong challenge.
In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam aim to retain power against the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
In Kerala, the ruling Left Democratic Front headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan faces a challenge from the United Democratic Front led by the Congress.
In Assam, the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will defend its mandate against opposition parties including the Congress.
Meanwhile, Puducherry will witness a contest between the ruling All India NR Congress-led alliance and the opposition alliance backed by the Congress and DMK.
The terms of the current assemblies in these states are set to expire between May and June 2026, making these elections crucial for shaping the next phase of political leadership in the region.
