Election Date 2026 Highlights: Tamil Nadu to go to polls on April 23, West Bengal votes in two phases; results on May 4

Stakes are high for the BJP in the upcoming polls to five assemblies, with West Bengal being the major test case for the saffron party. In the 2021 West Bengal assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the main opposition with its tally surging to 77 seats in the 294-member assembly from three in 2016.

On the announcement of dates of polls in 5 states/UTs, State Congress President Gaurav Gogoi says, "Assembly elections in Assam have been announced and I am fully hopeful that the people of Assam will bring a Congress-led government with full majority in Assam on the upcoming 9th date and will create a new Assam, a big Assam from which there will be development for all of us. We will all get the opportunity to live peacefully, and in accordance with our fundamental rights, we will all together create a new Assam. The people of Assam will uproot and throw away the corrupt government of Himanta Biswa Sarma."

The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect, with the Election Commission announcing poll schedule for five states and UT — Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Assam and West Bengal.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah set the BJP campaign rolling in Assam, asserting that the party will return to power for the third consecutive term with the highest-ever mandate.

A few hours before the Election Commission announced the dates for the assembly polls, Shah addressed two back-to-back programmes and launched a blistering attack on the Congress, alleging that it gave shelter to infiltrators, defamed the nation with the 'shirtless' protest at the AI summit, encouraged violence and did nothing for the state's youth.

Election Date 2026 LIVE: “BJP will come in power both in Assam and West Bengal”, says Tripura CM Manik Saha

The Election Commission has announced the schedule of assembly elections for four states and one UT under which polling will be held on a single day in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 9; in Tamil Nadu on April 23; and in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29.

On the announcement of dates of polls in 5 states/UTs, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran says, "NDA parties are ready to face the elections. We are confident that we will win the coming elections. CM MK Stalin always works for himself and not for the public..."

The West Bengal Election 2026 will be held in two phases – on April 23 and April 29. The results for all 294 seats will be declared on May 4. Check district-wise full schedule here:

On the announcement of dates of polls in 5 states/UTs, Bihar minister Mangal Pandey says, "The date for the Bengal election has been announced, we welcome it, and the people of Bengal are ready for change, and the counting of votes will take place on May 4, so a BJP government will be formed under the guidance of PM Modi, and a new chapter in the development of West Bengal will begin."

On the announcement of dates of polls in 5 states/UTs, AIUDF President Maulana Badruddin Ajmal says, "Our party welcomes this announcement... The Election Commission must ensure that wherever there is no BJP government, elections are held in a free and fair manner. Governance should be strengthened, there should be no favoritism towards anyone... Our point is that there should be no discrimination against any party... We want to remove the BJP, I urge all non-BJP parties to join together and try to remove the BJP..."

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: BJP leader PK Krishnadas says, "This election will lead to a remarkable political change in Kerala. People will witness the formation of a double-engine government after the polls. A new political shift combining faith and development is on the way, and the people of Kerala will embrace this change. The Left and the Right fronts have always taken similar positions on many issues, and the voters clearly understand this. The result of this election will reflect that realisation. The National Democratic Alliance is fully prepared for the election. Our preparations began well in advance, and the candidate list will be announced soon. The NDA is confident of victory, and this election will deliver a verdict against the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan..."

🗓️Date of Poll for ACs of Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland & Tripura: 9-04-2026

🗓️Date of Poll for ACs of Gujarat & Maharashtra: 23-04-2026

🗓️Date of Counting: 4-05-2026

On the announcement of dates of polls in 5 states/UTs, West Bengal BJP President and MP Sukanta Majumdar says, "We welcome the decision of the Election Commission, and we are confident that the Election Commission will conduct the elections in a fearless atmosphere. But there will be no elections in West Bengal until SIR is completed; the Supreme Court and the Election Commission should also keep this in mind. The atmosphere seen in the last elections in West Bengal, where our workers were killed, should not happen again. We want violence-free elections."

On the announcement of dates of polls in 5 states/UTs, Kerala BJP in-charge Prakash Javadekar says, "On the 9th April, Kerala BJP will get votes because they want Prime Minister Modi's development model. Prime Minister Modi has done a lot for Kerala and India. People are now fed up with LDF and UDF... People are now tired of corruption and other issues, so people will vote for NDA, and we will win."

On the election date announcement, TMC MP Kirti Azad, says, "... We are raising our voice against the removal of 60 lakh genuine voters from the electoral rolls, and we demand their reinstatement as per the Supreme Court’s order. The BJP has tried to suppress voters... This is a clear attempt to weaken democracy, but the people will not be silenced. We stand firm in our demand that every genuine voter must be included, and every citizen’s right to vote must be protected."

Key details about Tamil Nadu Elections 2026

-Date of issue of gazette notification : 30 March

-Last date for making nominations : 6 April

-Date for the scrutiny of nominations : 7 April

-Last date for the withdrawal of candidature : 9 April

-Tamil Nadu has 234 seats. This includes 188 general, 44 SC and two ST seats.

-All assembly seats vote in a single phase on 23 April.

-Results will be announced on 4 May.

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Election held in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by MK Stalin, swept to power after a decade in opposition, winning 133 seats on its own.

The DMK, along with Congress and other partners in the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), won 159 out of 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

During a meeting held by the EC with political parties on March 9, Opposition parties in West Bengal reportedly urged that the upcoming Assembly elections be conducted in fewer than three phases.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation proposed that the polls be organised in a single phase or, at most, in two phases, instead of being spread across seven to eight phases over a period of nearly six weeks

On election date announcements, Congress Leader Sukhdeo Bhagat says, "... We are confident in the Congress Party’s performance in the upcoming elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. While there may not be visible campaigns everywhere, our efforts are strong—we have placed observers and are monitoring district by district. We see the ruling party’s corruption, their false promises, and their attempts at polarisation. The Congress Party is making steady progress and gaining support. We are also deeply concerned about the violence that has occurred in Bengal, both before and after the polls, and we emphasise that democracy thrives only in a harmonious social environment. With the support of our allies, we are confident that we will form governments in all five states."

On election date announcements, Assam Minister, Atul Bora says, "... We are fully prepared for the elections. Today, we all met with Amit Shah and had detailed discussions. Our Chief Minister was present, and the state president was there as well... The parliamentary board meeting will be held on the 17th. This time, the NDA will achieve a hat-trick."

West Bengal Election Date LIVE 2026: Voting to be held in two phases. The voting in the first phase will be held on April 23. The voting in the second phase will be held on April 29. The results will be declared on May 4.

Voting for all 234 assembly seats of Tamil Nadu will be held in a single phase on 23 April. The votes will be counted on 4 May, the Election Commission of India announced on Sunday, 15 March.

The term of the incumbent Tamil Nadu assembly will end on 10 May. So a new government has to be sworn in before this date.

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 electoral rolls.”

“The Election Commission of India has been undertaking this responsibility in the form of Special Intensive Revision,” Gyanesh Kumar said.

“With regard to the political statements by certain political leaders or political parties, the Commission does not wish to engage in such dialogues. With regard to the decisions of certain governments just before the Model Code of Conduct came into force,” Gyanesh Kumar said.

He added, “I have already explained earlier that in a democratic setup, the state and central governments in their own wisdom can take any policy or any other decision which they feel is appropriate. But once the Model Code of Conduct comes into operation, any decision which affects the outcome of the elections or works in a way of inducement is not allowed and the Model Code of Conduct has come into force just now.”

“As far as the electoral process is concerned, elections in India are held as per the Constitution, the law and the instructions. The Election Commission will not tolerate political violence and any inducement to influence the elections and will take strictest action against those doing so…” he said.

Elections in all 126 assembly constituencies in Assam will take place on April 9 and the election results will be declared on May 4.

The Puducherry Elections 2026 will be held on April 9 and the results will be announced on May 4.

A total of 152 assembly constituencies will go to polls in first phase, while 142 constituencies will vote in phase two. Check below when will voting take place in your constituency?

The West Bengal Election will be held in two phases. The voting in the first phase will be held on April 23, and that for the second phase will be held on April 29. The counting of votes will be held on May 4.

Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: The voting in Tamil Nadu will be held in one phase on April 23. The results will be declared on May 4.

Kerala Elections 2026: The voting will be held in one phase on April 9 and results will be announced on May 4.

Assam - 1 phase: 9th april 2026; counting - 4th may

Kerala - 1 phase: 9th April; counting - 4th may

Puducherry - 1 phase - 9th April; counting - 4th may

Tamil Nadu - 1 phase - 23rd April - counting - 4 may

West Bengal - 2 phases (152+142) - 23rd April and 29th April; counting - 4th may

Elections in Tamil Nadu be held on April 23, while that in Kerala, Puducherry, will be held on April 9. The votes will be counted on May 4.

Voting to be held at 2.19 lakh polling stations across four states and one UT; 25 lakh election officials to be on duty, said CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

"Average number of electors per polling station is 750-900 across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal": CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, "The Commission also facilitated the BLOs for doing an excellent work for the SIR. The Commission also interacted with the young and first-time voters, and our SWEEP icons, who are engaged in voter awareness activities. As all of you are aware, these five states and UTs represent distinct geographical and cultural landscapes of India. These elections represent not only a democratic exercise, but also the cultural richness of India and truly reflect the unity and diversity of our nation..."

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said elections will be held in 842 constituencies.

He said, "During the past few days, the Commission visited all the poll-bound states to review the preparedness for the ensuing Assembly elections. During these elections, during these visits, the Commission met all the recognised political parties and received their suggestions. The Commission also met the district electoral officers, the SPs, the IGs, the DIGs and nodal officers of all the enforcement agencies. The Commission also had meetings with the Chief Electoral Officers, Chief Secretaries and DGPs of the respective states and union territories..."

The Election Commission has begun its press conference to announce poll schedule for four states and one UT — Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry.

The Election Commission will hold the press conference to announce dates for polls in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry at 4 pm today.

Jan Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir says, "The Election Commission will announce date at 4 PM today... No matter how many phases the elections are held in, there should be preparations to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to vote safely... Announcing the election dates and deploying central forces is the Election Commission's responsibility."

West Bengal Mamata Banerjee: “I am pleased to announce an increase of ₹500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive ₹2,000 per month.”

“At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the State Government.”

“We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened. Our endeavour remains to ensure that the custodians of our rich spiritual heritage receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

The Election Commission of India will announce the poll schedule for the four states of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry on Sunday afternoon.

AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said that they are ready for elections even if it is held tomorrow.

Sathyan told ANI, "It is said that the dates would be announced by evening, 4 pm. We are ready and prepared for it, even if the elections were to be held tomorrow."

Elections will be held for the 234 seats of the Tamil Nadu Assembly with incumbent Chief Minister MK Stalin-led Secular Progressive Alliance seeking a second consecutive term, pitted against the BJP-AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance.

Indian states holding elections this year are: Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mohammad Ali on Sunday questioned the fairness of the Election Commission of India ahead of the announcement of assembly poll dates for West Bengal.

Speaking to ANI, Ali said elections should not be held in the state until the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is fully completed. He also alleged that using the election process to impose President’s Rule in the state would be harmful to democracy, warning that the Commission risks losing public trust if it does not “correct its course.”

The terms of these legislative assemblies are ending in May and June.

In Kerala, the electoral contest is primarily between the Left and the Indian National Congress. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a veteran of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has already secured two consecutive terms in a state known for frequently alternating governments.

The Congress is drawing confidence from its 2024 Lok Sabha election performance, but its chances may depend on whether it can manage internal divisions during the campaign.

In the last assembly elections, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry went to the polls in a single phase, with voting held across all constituencies on the same day.

In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth consecutive term in the upcoming assembly elections. Her party, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), had swept the 2021 polls, winning 213 of the 294 seats in the state assembly.

In Assam, often seen as the gateway to the Northeast, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is aiming for a second consecutive term in the upcoming assembly elections.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress, led in the state by Gaurav Gogoi, is hoping to regain ground. However, the party has faced several recent setbacks, including the exit of former state president Bhupen Borah.

Congress on Sunday criticised Modi government, claiming the poll timetable would likely have been cleared by the “G2”.

In a post on X, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the schedule may have received the go-ahead from “G2” — a term the Congress uses to refer to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, both from Gujarat.

Ramesh also took a swipe at the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), saying that since 2014 it has effectively become “Modi’s Code of Campaigning”, alleging that campaigns under it involve “defamation, abuses, intimidation, fear-mongering and spreading lies”.

The MCC, enforced by the Election Commission during polls, is meant to ensure orderly campaigning and prevent misuse of government machinery by parties in power.