The Election Commission of India has announced poll dates for four states and a Union Territory at a press conference in New Delhi.
Elections in Assam will be held in three phases, starting March 27. The voting for the second and third phases will take place on April 1 and April 6 respectively.
West Bengal will see voting happening in 8 phases due to covid-19. 1st phase of polling will take place on Mar 27, the second phase on April 1, third phase on April 6, fourth phase on April 10, fifth phase on April 17, sixth phase polling on April 22, seventh phase April 26, and final phase polling on April 29.
West Bengal is likely to witness a triangular contest this time with TMC, Congress-Left alliance, and BJP in the fray.
Elections in Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu will be held in a single phase on April 6. The counting of votes for elections to four states and one UT is 2nd May.
A total of 824 assembly constituencies shall be going for polls during these elections. 18.68 crore electors will cast vote at 2.7 lakh polling stations in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry
The Model Code of Conduct has come into force immediately after the announcement of the election dates.
Key Takeaways
2.74 cr polling stations
All polling stations on the ground floor
18.68 cr electors to cast votes
824 constituencies go to polls
89.65% increase in Kerala polling booths
31.65% increase in Bengal polling stations
Polling time increased by an hour
People accompanying candidates restricted to 2
Only 5 persons allowed for door to door campaigning
Voters above 80 can use the postal ballot facility
Vaccines for poll officials
Webcasting of critical polling stations
1000 voters allowed per booth