Guwahati: The schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry is expected to be revealed later today.
The Election Commission of India will announce the election schedule at a press conference set for 4 pm at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Once the election programme is declared, the Model Code of Conduct will immediately take effect. After this, political parties will be barred from announcing new schemes or promises aimed at influencing voters, and the election body will take charge of overseeing administrative machinery in the concerned regions.
In West Bengal, the ruling All India Trinamool Congress is preparing for a tough contest as its leader Mamata Banerjee aims to secure a fourth straight term as chief minister. The Bharatiya Janata Party is positioning itself as the main challenger in the state.
The elections are taking place following the controversial Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which triggered strong political debate and was also examined by the Supreme Court of India.
In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is seeking another term in office. On the opposition side, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has formed an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Another major development in the state’s political landscape is the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay, who recently launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Meanwhile, Kerala is expected to witness a direct contest between the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left alliance and the Indian National Congress. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is hoping to remain in office for a third consecutive term, an uncommon feat in the state’s political history.
The Congress camp, encouraged by its performance in the 2024 Indian general election, is aiming to regain power but will have to address internal disagreements within the party.
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of the Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to seek another term in office. The opposition Indian National Congress, led in the state by Gaurav Gogoi, is attempting to strengthen its position ahead of the polls.
However, the party has recently faced setbacks due to several senior leaders leaving, including former state president Bhupen Borah.
In Puducherry, the ruling All India N. R. Congress led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy is seeking another term in office. The opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is campaigning strongly in an attempt to form the next government.