New Delhi, March 15: The on Sunday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory. Polling will begin on April 9, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
According to the Commission, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will go to polls in a single phase on April 9. Meanwhile, West Bengal will hold elections in two phases — April 23 and April 29. Tamil Nadu will conduct polling in one phase on April 23.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner described the elections as a “festival of democracy” and urged young and first-time voters to participate actively.
“My dear friends, you are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life — exercising your democratic right to vote,” he said, encouraging citizens to vote with pride and responsibility.
The Commission said the special revision of voter lists in all the poll-bound states and the Union Territory has been completed and final electoral rolls have been published.
In , the 294-member Assembly will witness a major contest between the ruling led by and the .
In , the ruling BJP-led alliance will face the for the 126 Assembly seats.
Meanwhile, will see a contest mainly between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) for 140 seats, with the BJP-led alliance also in the race.
In , elections will be held for 234 Assembly constituencies, while will elect representatives for 30 seats of the 16th Legislative Assembly.
The Election Commission said central observers have been appointed to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the electoral process across all poll-bound regions.





