ECI announces Assembly poll preparations in 4 States and UT; 17.4 crore voters to participate; Watch LIVE
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, March 15, 2026: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday said the Election Commission of India has begun extensive preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, describing the electoral exercise as a “festival of democracy” and a symbol of India’s vibrant democratic spirit.
The terms of the respective assemblies are set to end on different dates — West Bengal on May 7, Tamil Nadu on May 10, Assam on May 20, Kerala on May 23, and Puducherry on June 15 — after which new governments will be formed following the elections.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Kumar said the elections will involve around 17.4 crore voters across 824 Assembly constituencies. To conduct the massive electoral exercise, the Commission plans to establish approximately 2.19 lakh polling stations and deploy nearly 25 lakh election personnel.
Watch Video
https://www.facebook.com/BabushahiDotCom/videos/1294714272619281
Highlighting the scale of the elections, the Chief Election Commissioner noted that the number of voters is comparable to the combined population of countries such as Australia, France, South Africa, Germany, and Canada. He added that representatives from more than 20 countries’ electoral commissions will visit India to observe the elections and witness the transparent and efficient conduct of the democratic process.
Kumar emphasised that the Election Commission, along with lakhs of officials and security personnel, is committed to ensuring free, fair, transparent, accessible and peaceful elections. He said every effort will be made to ensure that voters have a pleasant and comfortable voting experience at polling stations.
Making a special appeal to young voters, Kumar urged first-time voters to actively participate in the democratic process. “You are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life—exercising your democratic right. Cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence. Your vote will shape the future of your state and the nation,” he said.
The Chief Election Commissioner also appreciated the work of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the Commission’s voter awareness initiatives under the SVEEP campaign, which promotes greater electoral participation across the country.
He further said the Commission recently visited all poll-bound states and the Union Territory to review preparedness. During these visits, meetings were held with recognised political parties, district election officers, senior police officials and nodal officers of enforcement agencies. Consultations were also conducted with Chief Electoral Officers, Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police to ensure smooth and coordinated election management.
Describing the upcoming polls as more than just a democratic process, Kumar said the elections also reflect India’s cultural diversity and unity, as the five states and union territory represent distinct geographical and cultural landscapes of the country.