Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 15: The Election Commission of India on Sunday released the schedule for the 2026 legislative assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Voting will take place between April 9 and April 29, with results for all five assemblies announced on May 4. The elections coincide with the end of the legislative terms in these regions: West Bengal (May 7), Tamil Nadu (May 10), Assam (May 20), Kerala (May 23), and Puducherry (June 15).
West Bengal
West Bengal’s 294-seat assembly will go to polls in two phases: April 23 and April 29. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Mamata Banerjee remains the favorite, leveraging flagship welfare schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and rural job initiatives.
The BJP-led NDA, led by Suvendu Adhikari, targets over 200 seats in North Bengal and Junglemahal, emphasizing NRC implementation and anti-corruption. A revived Left-Congress alliance aims to reclaim relevance. Controversy surrounds the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with disputes over voter rolls in Muslim-majority areas.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu’s 234-seat assembly election will be held in a single phase on April 23. The ruling DMK under M.K. Stalin faces off against the AIADMK and a resurgent BJP alliance. Key issues include welfare, law and order, and debates over Dravidian identity versus national integration. DMK highlights industrial growth and social justice, while opponents critique corruption and power outages.
Assam
Assam’s 126-seat assembly will vote in a single phase on April 9. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma leads the BJP coalition against the Congress-led opposition. The campaign focuses on indigenous rights, flood management, and anti-infiltration measures. BJP emphasizes development and citizenship reforms, while critics highlight unemployment and environmental concerns, including rhino poaching. Regional parties like AGP may play a decisive role.
Kerala
Kerala’s 140-seat assembly election will also be held on April 9. The ruling LDF led by Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI(M)) competes with the opposition UDF under Congress. LDF seeks a third term, banking on welfare schemes and development projects, while facing anti-incumbency over unemployment and rising costs. The BJP remains a minor player, seeking to expand its influence among Hindu voters.
Puducherry
Puducherry’s 30-seat assembly will vote on April 9 in a single phase. AINRC-BJP NDA, led by N. Rangasamy, seeks to retain power after winning 20 seats in 2021. Congress-DMK aims to capture around 10 seats, highlighting local issues such as liquor bans, power outages, and Centre support. Rangasamy’s influence and BJP’s youth outreach could decide the outcome.
Bypolls in Davanagere South, Bagalkote on April 9
Alongside the announcement of the Assembly election schedule for five states, the Election Commission on Sunday also declared by-elections to two Assembly constituencies in Karnataka — Davanagere South Assembly constituency and Bagalkote Assembly constituency.
Polling in both constituencies will be held on April 9, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4, the same day results will be declared for the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The by-election in Davanagere South Assembly constituency has been necessitated following the death of Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa, while the seat in Bagalkote Assembly constituency fell vacant after the demise of Congress MLA H Y Meti.
Announcing the poll schedule in New Delhi, Gyanesh Kumar said the Commission had also finalised by-election schedules in Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura, along with the Assembly poll calendar.