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State-wise Election Schedule

West Bengal

Total Assembly Seats: 294

End of Assembly Term: 7 May 2026

Phase 1: April 23, 2026

Phase 2: April 29, 2026

Tamil Nadu

Total Assembly Seats: 234

End of Assembly Term: 10 May 2026

Single Phase: April 23, 2026

Kerala

Total Assembly Seats: 140

End of Assembly Term: 23 May 2026

Single Phase: April 9, 2026

Assam

Total Assembly Seats: 126

End of Assembly Term: 20 May 2026

Single Phase: April 9, 2026

Puducherry (UT)

Total Assembly Seats: 30

End of Assembly Term: 15 June 2026

Single Phase: April 9, 2026

Election Logistics

~15 lakh polling personnel

~8.5 lakh security officials

~49,000 micro observers for polling

~40,000 counting officials

~21,000 sector officers

~15,000 micro observers for counting

1,444 observers

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The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry, setting the stage for a major electoral exercise involving around 17.4 crore electors.Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the poll panel said elections in the five regions would be conducted in April, with counting of votes on May 4, 2026.The Commission said it had recently visited all poll-bound states to review preparedness, holding consultations with political parties, district election officers, enforcement agencies and other officials. It also interacted with booth level officers (BLOs) who carried out the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and met young voters and voter awareness icons.The SIR exercise was undertaken to ensure “pure electoral rolls so that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible voter remains on the list,” the Commission said.Calling elections in India a “festival of democracy”, the EC said the five states and the Union Territory reflect the cultural richness and diversity of the country.More than 20 countries are expected to send observers to witness the Indian electoral process, the Commission added, reiterating its commitment to ensure free, fair, transparent, accessible and peaceful elections.Polling PhasesCounting of Votes: May 4, 2026PollingCounting of Votes: May 4, 2026PollingCounting of Votes: May 4, 2026PollingCounting of Votes: May 4, 2026PollingCounting of Votes: May 4, 2026According to the Commission, around 25 lakh officials will be deployed for the elections, including: