Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram on Sunday welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement regarding the schedule for upcoming assembly elections in five states and one Union Territory.
In a post on X, Chidambaram said he was pleased that the polling would be conducted in fewer phases.
“I welcome the announcement that elections will be held in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu in one phase and that elections will be held in West Bengal in two phases. I am glad that the number of phases has been compressed to one phase/two phases,” he wrote.
The Election Commission of India announced that the assembly elections will begin on April 9.
Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will take place on April 9 in a single phase. Tamil Nadu will also hold its election in one phase on April 23.
In West Bengal, voting will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for April 23 and the second phase on April 29.
Counting of votes for all the states and the Union Territory will be held on May 4.
I welcome the announcement that elections will be held in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu in one phase and that elections will be held in West Bengal in two phases
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 15, 2026
I am glad that the number of phases has been compressed to one phase/two phases
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described the elections as a “festival of pride” and urged first-time voters to participate actively.
“My dear friends, you are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic right, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this great democratic exercise and cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence. Your vote is your choice in shaping the future of your state and the nation,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Election Commission reviewed poll preparedness for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
According to an official release, the Commission appointed Central Observers under the powers granted by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The observers will assist in ensuring free and fair elections and monitor the management of the electoral process at the field level.
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