The Election Commission of India on Sunday (March 15, 2026) announced the timetable for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Among these regions, West Bengal will hold elections in two phases. The other states and the Union Territory will vote in a single phase. The announcement officially begins the election process in the poll-bound regions.

Assembly Elections 2026: Polling Dates for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Puducherry

According to the Election Commission’s schedule, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will vote on April 9, 2026. Voters in Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23, 2026. West Bengal will conduct elections in two stages. The first phase will take place on April 23, 2026, while the second phase will be held on April 29, 2026. The counting of votes for all five regions will be conducted on May 4, 2026.

Model Code of Conduct Comes Into Force After Poll Announcement

With the election schedule now announced, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in all poll-bound states and the Union Territory. The code lays down rules for political parties and candidates during the election period. It aims to ensure fair campaigning and prevent misuse of government resources. Authorities will monitor political activities closely until the election process is completed.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Addresses Press Conference

The announcement was made during a press briefing by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. During the briefing, Kumar spoke about the preparations carried out before the poll schedule was finalised.

Special Revision of Electoral Rolls Completed Before Elections

Kumar said the Commission carried out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists before announcing the elections. The revision was conducted in line with Article 326 of the Constitution. Its goal was to ensure that all eligible voters are included in the electoral rolls and that ineligible names are removed. He highlighted the importance of accurate voter lists for democratic elections. Kumar said “pure electoral rolls” were the “bedrock of democracy”.