Our Bureau
New Delhi
The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for key assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. These polls will shape the political future of over 800 seats across diverse regions, with voting spread over April and results due on May 4.
West Bengal’s 294-seat assembly will see voting in two phases. The first phase covers 152 seats on April 23, followed by 142 seats on April 29. Gazette notifications start March 30 for phase one and April 2 for phase two. Nomination deadlines are April 6 and 9, with scrutiny the next day. Candidates can withdraw by April 9 and 13. Over 7 crore voters will decide if Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress holds power amid tough fights from BJP and Left-Congress fronts.
Tamil Nadu’s 234 seats and Kerala’s 140 seats go to polls on April 23. In Tamil Nadu, DMK’s MK Stalin faces AIADMK and BJP challenges, while Kerala’s LDF under Pinarayi Vijayan battles UDF. Assam votes all 126 seats on April 9, testing BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma against Congress. Puducherry’s 30 seats also poll on April 9, pitting NDA’s AINRC against Congress.
The Commission aims for smooth polls with model code from announcement day. Security and voter lists are ready after revisions. Parties gear up early, promising fierce campaigns on jobs, welfare, and local issues. Results on May 4 could redraw India’s political map.
