EC Unveils 2026 Assembly Election Schedule: Single-Day Polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry; Two Phases in West Bengal

The Election Commission of India (ECI) today announced the much-awaited schedule for assembly elections across four states and the Union Territory of Puducherry, setting the stage for a vibrant democratic exercise.Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar revealed the details during a press conference, confirming single-day polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9, Tamil Nadu on April 23, and a two-phase rollout in West Bengal on April 23 and April 29. Votes for all 824 seats will be counted on May 4. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said all relevant information related to the upcoming elections will be available on a single mobile application called ECI NET. The Commission also announced that 100 per cent webcasting will be implemented at every polling booth to ensure transparency and effective monitoring of the polling process. This announcement marks a key milestone ahead of the polls, with the ECI emphasizing smooth, fair elections amid high voter anticipation. Key Dates at a Glance:Notification of Nominations: March 20 (Phase 1 states) Polling Day: April 9 (Assam, Kerala, Puducherry); April 23 (Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Phase 1); April 29 (West Bengal Phase 2) Vote Counting: May 4 (All states/UT)

#WATCH | Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, "The Election Commission of India is constitutionally bound by Article 326 to include electors who are above 18 years of age, who are citizens of India and who are staying in that assembly constituency to be in the… pic.twitter.com/DU6M2UM0uL

— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2026