Assembly Elections 2026: Schedule For Polls In Five States Announced, Know All Details

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the upcoming assembly elections to be held in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The terms of the legislative assemblies in these five states/Union Territories are set to expire in May-June 2026.

When will the voting take place?

In West Bengal, the polling will be held in two phases. The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections will be held on April 23 and the second phase will be on April 29. The counting for all states and union territories will be on May 4. Of the 294 assembly seats in West Bengal, 152 will go to the polls in the first phase while the remaining 142 will exercise their franchise during the second phase.  

Electors in Tamil Nadu will get to cast their votes on April 23 with the counting scheduled for May 4. Assembly Elections in Kerala, Puducherry and Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9 with the counting of votes on May 4.  

What did the Chief Election Commissioner say?

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated, "The electorate of approximately 174 million voters spans regions including Australia, France, South Africa, Germany, and Canada. We also look forward to welcoming guests from the Election Commissions of over 20 countries, who will visit India during these elections to witness the festival of democracy—a celebration characterized by transparency and impeccable execution. The Commission, alongside hundreds of thousands of election officials and security personnel, remains committed to ensuring free, fair, transparent, accessible, and peaceful elections."

"The Election Commission of India is also fully prepared to welcome every voter at their respective polling stations and to provide them with a pleasant and comfortable voting experience. I would also like to make a special appeal to our youth and first-time voters: My dear friends, you are about to fulfill one of the most significant responsibilities of your lives—exercising your democratic right, the right to vote. I urge you to participate in this grand democratic exercise with full enthusiasm and to cast your vote with a sense of responsibility and confidence. Your vote represents your choice in shaping the future of your state and your country."

Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar added, "The Commission has also extended its support to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who have performed exceptionally well in their duties. Furthermore, the Commission has engaged with young and first-time voters, as well as with our SVEEP icons, who are actively involved in voter awareness initiatives. As you are all aware, these five states and Union Territories represent the diverse geographical and cultural landscapes of India. These elections are not merely a democratic exercise; they also embody India's cultural richness and truly reflect the unity and diversity of our nation."

When will the terms of the state governments expire? 

The term of the West Bengal Assembly will conclude on May 7, followed by Tamil Nadu on May 10, Assam on May 20, Kerala on May 23, and Puducherry on June 15, 2026. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, will participate in this press conference. The Election Commission has completed its assessment of voter lists, security arrangements, and other preparations in these states, following which this announcement will be made.

What is the significance of these assembly elections?

These elections are considered politically significant, as a fierce contest is anticipated between the ruling and opposition parties. Parties such as the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, the DMK in Tamil Nadu, the Left Front in Kerala, the BJP in Assam, and the NR Congress in Puducherry will strive to either retain or capture power. The Election Commission has taken necessary measures to ensure free and peaceful polling, coinciding with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct across all these states.

What are the political equations in the various states?

The tenure of the Bengal Legislative Assembly concludes on May 7. In West Bengal, the BJP is making an all-out effort to capture power, while the Trinamool Congress is striving to retain its government. The entry of the Congress and Left parties into the electoral fray promises to make the contest here even more intriguing.

In Tamil Nadu, the BJP is contesting the elections primarily in alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Other constituent parties of the NDA include regional outfits such as the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), the Tamil Maanila Congress, and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK). This election is expected to witness a fierce battle between the NDA and the DMK. The tenure of the current Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is set to expire on May 10.

In Kerala, the BJP's key alliance partner is the BDJS. The regional party 'Twenty-20' has also joined the NDA fold. Additionally, parties such as the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the Shiv Sena, and the Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party (NPP) are part of the NDA. Here, a direct confrontation between the NDA and the CPI(M) is anticipated. The tenure of the state Legislative Assembly is scheduled to end on May 23, 2026. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies in Assam and Puducherry will conclude on May 20 and June 15, respectively. Assam is currently governed by the BJP. This time around, a neck-and-neck contest is expected between the Congress and the BJP.