The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced the withdrawal of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in states and the Union Territories that recently went to Assembly polls, marking the formal end of the election process in most regions. However, the restrictions will continue in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency, where fresh polling has been ordered.
The MCC had come into force after the announcement of the election schedule and remained applicable throughout the campaign and voting period. With the declaration of results now complete, the Commission said the code is no longer in operation in Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, along with constituencies where by-elections were held.
MCC removed after poll results
In its official communication, the ECI said the electoral process had concluded following the declaration of results by Returning Officers in all concerned constituencies.
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“Now, that the results in respect of General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and UT of Puducherry, 2026 and By-elections in Assembly Constituencies of Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura have been declared by the concerned Returning Officers, the Model Code of Conduct has ceased to be in operation with immediate effect," the order was cited by ANI.
The move clears the way for newly elected governments to begin administrative and policy decisions without the restrictions imposed during the election period.
Fresh poll ordered in Bengal’s Falta constituency
While the MCC has been lifted elsewhere, the Election Commission confirmed that it will remain in force in the 144-Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal.
The Commission earlier directed fresh polling in all 285 polling stations of the constituency, with voting scheduled for May 21. Counting of votes in Falta will take place on May 24.
According to the ECI, the decision was taken after reports of widespread irregularities during polling held on April 29.
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The Commission stated that the order for fresh polling was issued “on consideration of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the polling in a large number of polling stations on April 29".
Election process concluded in key states
Counting for the Assembly elections in Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry was completed on May 4. Following the declaration of results across constituencies, the Election Commission formally brought the MCC period to an end in the regions where the election process has concluded.
