ECI Announces Poll Dates for Four States and Puducherry, Voting Begins April 9

New Delhi, March 15: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, outlining extensive arrangements to ensure free, fair and transparent polling.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that elections will be held in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry during April, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

According to the schedule, Assam and Kerala will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9. On the same day, voters in the Union Territory of Puducherry will also cast their ballots to elect their new Assembly.

In Tamil Nadu, elections for all 234 Assembly constituencies will be conducted in a single phase on April 23. The state will witness a large-scale polling exercise as political parties gear up for a crucial electoral contest.

Polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases for its 294-member Assembly. The first phase will be held on April 23 for 152 constituencies, while the remaining 142 seats will go to the polls in the second phase on April 29.

This marks a significant change from the previous Assembly elections in West Bengal, which were conducted in eight phases spread over more than a month. The poll panel said the revised schedule was designed to streamline the process while ensuring adequate security arrangements and administrative preparedness.

By-elections (8 Constituencies):

In addition to the Assembly elections, the Election Commission also announced by-elections for eight constituencies across several states, including Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tripura.

The by-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra will take place on April 23, while the remaining bypolls in other states will be held on April 9. The counting of votes for these by-elections will also be carried out on May 4, the same day as the Assembly election results.

During the announcement, the Chief Election Commissioner emphasised the importance of voter participation in strengthening India’s democratic process. He appealed to citizens across the country to actively take part in the electoral exercise and exercise their right to vote.

Kumar made a special appeal to first-time voters, urging them to view the upcoming elections as an opportunity to participate in one of the most important responsibilities of citizenship.

“You are about to step into one of the most important roles of life. I urge you to participate in the democratic process and cast your vote,” he said.

He also highlighted the spirit of India’s electoral system, describing elections as a celebration of democracy.

“Chunaav ka parv, hum sabka garv — elections in India are the festival of democracy,” Kumar said, encouraging voters to turn out in large numbers and strengthen the democratic tradition of the country.