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New Delhi. The Election Commission of India has today officially announced the dates of the assembly elections to be held in five states and union territories of the country. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar told in the press conference held at Vigyan Bhawan that voting will be held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, while in West Bengal, voting will be done in two phases. With the announcement of elections, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect with immediate effect in all these election-bound states.

Election dates: When and where will votes be cast?

According to the schedule released by the Election Commission, the voting process will be completed in the month of April. Election results of all states together May 4, 2026 Will be announced.

• Assam, Kerala and Puducherry: in these three states 9 April Voting will be held in single phase.

• Tamil Nadu: Here 23 April Voting will be held in a single phase.

• West Bengal: This time elections will be held in two phases in Bengal. first phase voting 23 April and the second phase 29 April Will happen.

17.4 crore voters will decide on 824 seats

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that in these 5 states (Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry) the total 824 assembly seats Are. Total number of voters here 17.4 crores Which is equal to the total population of countries like Australia, France, Germany, South Africa and Canada. The Commission has used ‘SIR’ (Selective Invalidation & Rectification) technique to ensure transparency so that no ineligible person remains in the voter list.

Ban on mobile phones and new election rules

This time the Election Commission has implemented some interesting and strict rules:

1. Mobile ban: It will be prohibited to carry mobile phones inside the polling booth during voting. The phone will have to be deposited outside the booth and can be taken back after casting the vote.

2. Voter Number: Maximum at one polling station to reduce crowding 1200 voters The limit has been set.

3. Digital Feature: All information to the affidavits and EPIC cards of the candidates will be available on the special app of the Election Commission.

‘Journey of democracy’ in difficult areas

The Election Commission also mentioned the difficult centers in Assam and Kerala where the polling party has to struggle a lot. of Assam Majuli The team crosses the Brahmaputra river by boat and tractor and reaches Dhanekhana. Whereas in Kerala Idukki To reach the Edamalkuddy booth in the district, officials have to travel 30 km through inaccessible roads and 8 km on foot.

Special appeal to the youth: ‘Your vote, your future’

The Chief Election Commissioner made an emotional appeal to the youth who voted for the first time and said that this is the biggest responsibility of your life. He said, “Elections in India are not just a process but a festival of democracy. Your vote is your choice which will shape the future of the country.” This time to look at India’s election management more than 20 countries Representatives of election commissions are also coming to India as guests.