Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 7: The Election Commission of India on Thursday announced the withdrawal of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that had been enforced following the 2026 Assembly elections in several states, including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The Commission clarified that the MCC, which comes into effect from the announcement of an election schedule, remains applicable only until the completion of the electoral process. With results now officially declared in these states and constituencies, the code has ceased to operate with immediate effect.

However, the MCC will continue to remain in force in the 144-Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal, where a fresh election has been ordered.

According to the Commission, results from the recently concluded General Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry have already been declared by Returning Officers. Additionally, outcomes of bye-elections held across constituencies in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura have also been finalised.

The ECI reiterated that the MCC remains applicable in Falta because a re-poll has been scheduled there following irregularities.

Earlier, on May 3, the Commission had cancelled the entire polling process in the constituency located in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, citing serious electoral violations and large-scale disruption of the democratic process during voting held on April 29.

Fresh polling across all 285 booths, including auxiliary polling stations, is scheduled for May 21, while counting of votes will take place on May 24.

The Commission said the cancellation was necessary due to reports of severe electoral misconduct that compromised the fairness of the voting process.

Meanwhile, vote counting for the Assembly elections in the affected states and the Union Territory was completed on May 4, after which the ECI formally declared results for all constituencies.