Election Date 2026: The Election Commission of India is anticipated to reveal the election dates for five states today, Sunday, March 15. This year, elections are set to take place in five states: West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. A press conference is planned for 4 pm today at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to disclose the election dates.
Elections must occur before the legislative assembly terms expire
The Election Commission is required to conduct elections before the legislative assemblies in all these states reach their expiration. The legislative assemblies of these five states will conclude by June 15th.
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As per the Election Commission, the West Bengal Assembly’s term is set to end on May 7.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly’s term will conclude by May 10.
The Assam Assembly’s term will finish on May 20.
The Kerala Assembly’s term ends on May 23.
The Puducherry Assembly’s term will also conclude on June 15.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has recently undertaken a thorough tour of the states preparing for elections with his team, where he assessed the on-ground preparations for the elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
The Election Commission is expected to announce the election timetable for the states going to polls today. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla remarked, “If an announcement is forthcoming, it’s a positive development. Once the dates are set, we can release the complete IPL schedule.”
The Election Commission is anticipated to unveil the election schedule for five states today. BJP MP Kamlesh Paswan stated, “The BJP is always ready for elections. Our workers are active on the ground. The elections will favor the BJP.” According to reports, as soon as the Election Commission announces the dates, the Model Code of Conduct will come into effect in all states. It’s worth noting that the number of phases of voting this time is likely to be fewer than in the 2021 elections. Last time, West Bengal had eight phases of voting.
As per media reports, the BJP secured 77 seats in West Bengal during the 2021 elections. The Congress party’s influence here remains minimal. Conversely, a loss for the TMC could position it among the regional parties that were once dominant in the state but have since diminished.
Assembly Elections 2026: Elections in Assam
In Assam, the BJP is currently in power, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma. The BJP coalition achieved victory in 75 seats during the 2021 elections and is gearing up to seek a third consecutive term. On the opposition side, Congress, under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, is ready to engage in its contest. Additionally, parties like the AIUDF, which capitalize on their Muslim voter base, are expected to play a crucial role in the forthcoming assembly elections. These elections may present an opportunity for the BJP to solidify its influence in the Northeast.
New faces face off in Tamil Nadu
The southern state of Tamil Nadu is set to witness a showdown among several new contenders this time. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, led by M.K. Stalin, won 133 out of 234 seats in 2021. Issues such as unemployment may heavily impact the party this time. Factors related to anti-incumbency are also anticipated to be significant. Meanwhile, the AIADMK-BJP alliance is exerting all its efforts, while Vijay’s TVK, as a new party, is drawing in younger voters. A win in Tamil Nadu could present a substantial opportunity for the BJP to grow organically, where Hindutva has its boundaries. On the other hand, a defeat for the DMK would weaken the India bloc for the opposition.