Assembly Elections 2021: EC Announces Poll Dates For West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam & Puducherry; Check Full Schedule

The Election Commission also announced the dates for assembly polls elections in Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will come into effect in all these poll-bound states and UT following the announcement of election dates.

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New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on Friday addressed a press conference to announce the schedule of the most-awaited Assembly Elections in as many as four states and one Union Territory (UT). Election to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, 126-member Assam Assembly, 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, 140-member Kerala Assembly, and 30 seats in the Union Territory of Puducherry are due in April-May. 

West Bengal Assembly Elections Dates:

Making the announcement, the poll body said the elections to the legislative assembly of West Bengal will be held in 8 phases starting from March 27, 2021. The counting of votes and election results will be announced on 2nd May 2021.

1st phase- March 27th

2nd phase - April 1st

3rd phase - April 6th

4th phase - April 10th

5th phase- April 17th

6th phase-April 22nd

7th phase-April 26th

8th phase-April 29th

Assam Assembly Elections Dates:

The Election Commission also announced dates for Assembly polls in Assam. While making the announcement of the same, EC stated that Assam Polls 2021 will be held in 3  phases starting 27th March 2021.

1st phase, 47 assembly seats - March 27 
2nd phase, 39 seats - April 1st
3rd phase, 40 seats - April 6th

Results for Assam Assembly polls will be announced on 2nd May.

Kerala Assembly Elections Dates:

Further in its presser, the Election Commission also revealed the polling dates for Kerala Elections which will hold on as many as 140 assembly seats. The poll body said that voting for Kerala Assembly Elections will be held in only 1 phase on April 6th. The result of Kerala Assembly Elections, EC said, will be announced on May 2nd. The byelection to Malappuram will simultaneously be conducted on April 6th.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Dates:

Moving further, the Election Commission also announced the dates for elections in Tamil Nadu where the legislative assembly will come to an end on May 24, 2021. Making the announcement, the poll body said that Tamil Assembly Polls will be held in only one phase on April 6th. The results for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections will be announced on 2nd May.   

Puducherry Assembly Elections Dates:

Last, but not least - the Union Territory of Puducherry, which is currently under President's Rule following the fallout of Congress-led government, will also go for polls in the months to come. Election Commission stated that polls to elect the legislative assembly of Puducherry will be held in 1 phase and will be held simultaneously with Tamil Nadu and Kerala on April 6th. Results for the same will be announced on 2nd May. 

Other Announcements made by EC:

• Model Code of Conduct to come into force immediately after the announcement of the election dates
• All polling stations should be on the ground floor.
• Postal ballot facilities have been extended as an option for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and people involved in essential services.
• Separate SOPs for Covid patients.
• Polling Time Increased by 1 Hour.
• Several processes have been made online in order to avoid large gatherings.
• The number of vehicles restricted to 2 for candidates filing for nomination.
• Door-to-door campaigning has been restricted to 5 persons including candidates.
• Roadshow has been permitted with a limited number of people.
• States should publish the ground availability in English as well as vernacular papers for public rallies. Parties should make arrangements following Covid guidelines
• CCTVs and webcasting should be done in all polling stations or at least 50 polling stations in every state.
• All polling officials to be vaccinated before the polling begins.
• Adequate CAPFs deployment shall be ensured during elections. All critical, vulnerable polling stations identified and an adequate number of CAPFs will be deployed.
• Candidates can fill their nominations online.
• Candidates can also submit the deposit fee online.
• All sensitive polling booths will have video recordings.
• Polling won't be conducted on the dates of CBSE exams.
• EC has also taken care of important festivals of the respective states..
• New Social Media guidelines will be released within 1 week.