Key Points
- Election Commission to announce poll dates for four states and Puducherry at 4pm press conference
- West Bengal likely to see three to four phase polling while other states vote in single phase
- Around 480 battalions of central forces already deployed in West Bengal ahead of announcement
The Election Commission of India is set to announce the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry at a press conference at 4pm on Saturday. The announcement will trigger the model code of conduct, a set of guidelines that bars ruling parties from announcing new schemes or using government machinery to influence voters, across all five regions.
The elections will determine the governments of four states and one Union Territory, affecting over 23 crore voters. For citizens, the model code means that no new welfare announcements or government advertisements featuring political leaders will be permitted until voting concludes and results are declared.
According to multiple reports, most regions is expected to vote in a single phase. West Bengal could be the exception, with polling likely to be spread across three to four phases due to the state’s history of election-related violence.
West Bengal set for multi-phase polling
During the 2021 Assembly elections, West Bengal voted over eight phases, the highest for any state in that cycle. Assam held elections in three phases the same year, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry completed polling in a single phase each.
The Commission has already deployed approximately 480 battalions of central security forces to West Bengal. In a significant change from past practice, the deployment of these forces will now be decided by police observers appointed by the Commission in consultation with district officials. Previously, the district police chief held this responsibility.
In West Bengal, Trinamool Congress leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth consecutive term. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which emerged as the principal opposition in 2021, is attempting to unseat her government.
The elections follow the Special Intensive Revision, a door-to-door verification drive to update electoral rolls. The exercise became a flashpoint between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with disputes reaching the Supreme Court over allegations of irregular voter additions and deletions.
Tamil Nadu sees three-way contest
In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is seeking a second term. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has allied with the BJP for these elections.
A new entrant has altered the political landscape. Actor Vijay launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and will contest his first Assembly election. The impact of his entry on the traditional DMK-AIADMK contest remains to be seen.
Kerala presents a contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Congress-led United Democratic Front. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a third consecutive term, an unprecedented feat in a state that has alternated between the two fronts since 1982.
The Congress drew confidence from its performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the party won several seats in the state. However, internal disputes within the state unit have posed challenges to its campaign preparations.
Assam and Puducherry polls
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of the BJP is seeking re-election. The Congress, led by state president Gaurav Gogoi, faces an uphill task after several leaders, including former state president Bhupen Borah, left the party in recent months.
Puducherry will see a contest between the ruling All India NR Congress, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, and the opposition DMK. Rangasamy is seeking a third term in the Union Territory.
The Election Commission is expected to announce the exact polling dates, counting schedule and the number of phases for each state at the 4pm press conference. The model code of conduct will come into effect immediately upon the announcement.
Your Questions, Answered
When will the Election Commission announce poll dates?
The Election Commission has scheduled a press conference at 4pm on Saturday to announce the election schedule for Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
What is the model code of conduct?
The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines that bars ruling parties from announcing new schemes, using government machinery for political purposes or making promises to influence voters. It comes into force immediately upon announcement of election dates.
How many phases will West Bengal elections have?
According to Election Commission sources, West Bengal is likely to have three to four phases of polling due to the state's history of election-related violence. Other states and Puducherry are expected to vote in a single phase.
How many central forces have been deployed for these elections?
Approximately 480 battalions of central security forces have already been deployed in West Bengal. The deployment decisions will be made by Election Commission-appointed police observers in consultation with district officials.
