5 states set to go to polls next month, announces EC

Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry to vote on April 9; Tamil Nadu to hold polls on April 23; two phases poll in West Bengal on April 23 and 29; counting of ballots is set for May 4

- Ashraf Padanna

Assam, Tripura and Puducherry to vote on April 9; Tamil Nadu on April 13; two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29; counting of votes to be on May 4

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the dates for legislative assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. The polling will be held from April 9, and the counting of ballots is set for May 4.

The announcement was made at a press conference in New Delhi, where Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar detailed the electoral process.

Polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will take place on April 9, 2026, in a single phase, allowing voters in these regions to cast their ballots on the same day.

In Tamil Nadu, the elections will be held on April 23, in a single phase, ensuring that citizens can participate in the democratic process in a timely and efficient manner.

Meanwhile, West Bengal will experience a more staggered electoral system, with voting scheduled in two phases: the first on April 23 and the second on April 29, 2026.

Kumar said that approximately 174 million eligible voters will participate in this electoral process at around 219,000 polling stations.