Election Commission announces voting phases in West Bengal: Key dates, last date of filing nomination, a complete guide

The Election Commission has announced that the West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases covering all 294 constituencies. For the first phase (152 constituencies), the gazette notification will be issued on March 30, 2026, with the last date for filing nominations on April 6. Scrutiny will take place on April 7, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 9. Polling for the first phase will be held on April 23, 2026. For the second phase (142 constituencies), the gazette notification will be issued on April 2, 2026, while the last date for nominations is April 9. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 10, and the last date for withdrawal is April 13. Polling for the second phase will be held on April 29, 2026. Counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026, and the election process will be completed by May 6, 2026.

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026: Polling on April 23, counting on May 4

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections covering all 234 constituencies. The gazette notification will be issued on March 30, 2026, while the last date for filing nominations is April 6, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 7, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 9, 2026. Polling in the state will be held on April 23, 2026, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026. The election process will be completed by May 6, 2026.

Puducherry Assembly elections 2026: Polling on April 9, counting on May 4

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Puducherry Assembly elections covering all 30 constituencies. The gazette notification will be issued on March 16, 2026, while the last date for filing nominations is March 23, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 24, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 26, 2026. Polling will be held on April 9, 2026, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026. The election process will be completed by May 6, 2026.

Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Polling on April 9, counting on May 4

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Kerala Assembly elections covering all 140 constituencies. The gazette notification will be issued on March 16, 2026, while the last date for filing nominations is March 23, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 24, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 26, 2026. Polling in the state will be held on April 9, 2026, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026. The election process is expected to be completed by May 6, 2026.

Assam Assembly elections 2026: Polling on April 9, counting on May 4

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Assam Assembly elections covering all 126 constituencies. The gazette notification will be issued on March 16, 2026, while the last date for filing nominations is March 23, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 24, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 26, 2026. Polling in the state will be held on April 9, 2026, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026. The election process is expected to be completed by May 6, 2026

EC introduces new measures to enhance transparency in counting and results

To enhance transparency in counting and results, the Election Commission has introduced several new measures. The penultimate round of EVM-VVPAT counting will be taken up only after the counting of postal ballots. Index cards and statistical reports will be released within 72 hours of the declaration of results. The Commission has also made it mandatory to count VVPAT slips in every case of mismatch between Form 17C and EVM data. Additionally, checking and verification of burnt memory or microcontrollers in 5% of EVMs will be carried out after results, based on applications submitted by candidates within seven days of the result declaration.

EC announces special voting arrangements for senior citizens, PwDs

Special arrangements have been made for senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at polling stations. These include polling stations located on the ground floor, along with ramps, wheelchairs and volunteer assistance. Voters from these categories will also be given priority in voting, with seating arrangements and benches provided at polling stations. Additionally, the Saksham module on the ECINET app allows PwDs to avail facilities at polling stations. An optional home voting facility through postal ballot has also been introduced, along with transport facilities to help them reach polling booths.

EVM awareness drive reaches 28.7 lakh people ahead of five-state Assembly polls

For EVM awareness in the 2026 Assembly elections across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, a total of 717 EVM Demonstration Centres (EDCs) have been set up at DEO/RO and Revenue Sub-Division headquarters. Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDVs) have covered 1,24,172 polling station locations to demonstrate the use of EVMs. Overall, more than 28.7 lakh people participated in the awareness programmes, while over 25 lakh people cast mock votes on EVMs during the demonstrations.

CM Mamata Banerjee hikes priests, muezzins’ monthly honorarium to ₹2,000 ahead of Bengal polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced an increase in the monthly honorariums given to priests and muezzins in the state. The honorarium has been raised by ₹500, taking the total monthly amount to ₹2,000. Banerjee shared the update through a post on X, stating that the services of priests and muezzins play an important role in maintaining the spiritual and social fabric of communities.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces payment of ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026

Mamata Banerjee announced that West Bengal government employees, pensioners, teachers and staff of grant-in-aid institutions will begin receiving their pending ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026, as per Finance Department notifications.

Ahead of EC announcement of elections, BJP's Tapas Roy addresses reporters

BJP West Bengal Vice President Tapas Roy says that it is the Supreme Court's decision in the end regarding the 60 lakh voters who are under adjudication, when asked about it by reporters during BJP's Press Conference

EC to declare dates

The Election Commission of India will shortly announce the voting schedule for the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, will announce the dates at 4 PM.