Census, Kumbh concerns won't alter 2027 assembly polls in 5 states: Sources

Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa will be held on schedule in February next year, pushing back speculation that the polls could be brought forward because of the Census and the Kumbh Mela.

Clarifying reports that suggested an early election timetable was being examined, sources told NDTV “no such proposal is under consideration.”

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Census count, election clock

The clarification came after some political parties argued that the second phase of the Census could complicate election planning because government employees engaged in Census work are often also assigned election duty.

The government’s view is different: elections will be held on time, while the second phase of the Census may instead be conducted slightly earlier so that staff remain available for poll-related work.

The second phase is currently scheduled for February and will collect individual data, including caste enumeration.

The timetable keeps its composure

The first phase of the Census is being conducted between April and September and focuses on house listing.

The second phase, which covers enumeration of individuals, is scheduled for February across the country. Sources indicated that shifting this phase slightly forward is being considered only as an administrative adjustment, not as a reason to alter the election calendar in the five states.

Kumbh Mela and election speculation

Speculation about an early poll schedule had also been linked to the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, which is set to run from January 14, 2027, to April 20, 2027.

Because of the religious gathering, there had been talk that elections might be completed by the end of this year, but the schedule could be drawn up in a way that Uttarakhand votes last so that the Kumbh arrangements are not disrupted.

Deadlines, duly observed

The five state assemblies are due to complete their terms between March and May 2027.

Manipur’s term ends on March 13, Goa’s on March 14, Punjab’s on March 16, Uttar Pradesh’s on May 22, and Uttarakhand’s on May 28.

On that basis, the election timetable is expected to keep the polls within the constitutional window while avoiding any operational clash with the Census or the Kumbh Mela.

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FAQs

Q1: Will the 2027 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and four other states be held early?

Ans: No, sources have clarified that the elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa will be held as scheduled in February 2027.

Q2: Why were there reports of advancing the 2027 state assembly elections?

Ans: The speculation was linked to the Census schedule and the Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand, but sources said neither will lead to early elections.