ECI to Announce Assembly Poll Dates for 5 States Today

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in five regions — Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry — later today, marking the beginning of a crucial electoral battle across the country.

The poll body will hold a press conference at 4 pm, where it will officially reveal the election dates and phases for the states and the Union Territory.

Elections Likely in April, Results in May

According to officials, the Assembly elections are expected to be conducted in April, while the counting of votes and declaration of results will likely take place in early May.

The elections are being scheduled because the terms of the current legislative assemblies in these states and the Union Territory are nearing their end.

The tenure of the assemblies will expire on the following dates:

• West Bengal Assembly – May 7
• Tamil Nadu Assembly – May 10
• Assam Assembly – May 20
• Kerala Assembly – May 23
• Puducherry Assembly – June 15

Poll Preparations Completed

The Election Commission has already completed several key preparations ahead of the announcement.

These include reviewing poll readiness, finalising updated electoral rolls and assessing security arrangements across all states.

Officials said special focus has been given to West Bengal due to its history of election-related violence, and large numbers of central security forces are expected to be deployed to ensure peaceful voting.

Model Code of Conduct to Take Effect

Once the Election Commission announces the poll schedule, the Model Code of Conduct will come into immediate effect in all the states and the Union Territory.

This code restricts governments from announcing new policy decisions, welfare schemes or major projects that could influence voters during the election period.

Likely Polling Phases

Election patterns in these states usually follow a specific trend.

Polling in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry is generally conducted in a single phase, while West Bengal and Assam typically witness multi-phase elections due to their large geographical size and security concerns.

Sources indicate that the Tamil Nadu Assembly election could be held in the second week of April, though the final dates will be confirmed during the Election Commission’s press briefing.

The upcoming elections are expected to draw national attention as several major political parties prepare for high-stakes contests that could shape the political landscape ahead of future national elections.