EC likely to announce polls for 5 states today

March 15, 2026

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The announcement is likely to be made during a press conference, which will formally start the election process in these regions.

These elections are crucial as the current legislative assemblies in the five regions are nearing the end of their five-year terms. Once the schedule is announced, the Model Code of Conduct will come into force, restricting governments from announcing new policy decisions or major projects until the election process is completed.

Polls expected in April, results in May

According to reports, polling in the five states and the Union Territory is expected to take place in April, while the counting of votes may occur in early May. The Election Commission generally conducts polling in phases depending on security and logistical requirements.

West Bengal and Assam may witness multi-phase voting due to their large geographic areas and security considerations. In contrast, states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu may see single-phase polling, as has often been the case in previous elections.

Assemblies nearing the end of their terms

The timing of the elections is linked to the expiry of the current assemblies’ tenure. The terms of several state assemblies are scheduled to end between May and June 2026, making it necessary to conduct elections before those deadlines.

For instance:

• West Bengal Assembly term ends in early May 2026

• Tamil Nadu Assembly term expires on May 10, 2026

• Assam Assembly term ends on May 20, 2026

• Kerala Assembly tenure concludes on May 23, 2026

• Puducherry Assembly term is scheduled to end by June 2026

The Election Commission typically schedules voting a few weeks before these deadlines so that the new governments can be formed in time.

Preparations underway across states

Ahead of the announcement, the Election Commission has already completed several preparatory steps, including updating electoral rolls, reviewing security arrangements and holding meetings with political parties and administrative officials.

In states such as West Bengal, the poll body has reportedly taken steps like deploying central forces and appointing observers to ensure peaceful and transparent elections. These measures aim to increase voter confidence and maintain law and order during the election period.

High-stakes political contests expected

The upcoming elections are expected to witness intense political battles in all five regions. Major national and regional parties have already begun campaign preparations, candidate selection and alliance discussions.

In West Bengal, the contest is likely to involve the ruling Trinamool Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition alliances. In Tamil Nadu, the election may feature a multi-cornered contest involving the DMK, AIADMK-BJP alliance, and new political entrants. Meanwhile, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are also expected to see closely fought campaigns.

Once the Election Commission formally announces the dates, political campaigning is expected to intensify across the five states, setting the stage for one of the most significant electoral exercises in the country this year.