Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: DMK Files Petition Against TN BJP President Over Rs 4 Cr Seized During LS Polls The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for assembly elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Polling is set to begin on April 9 and conclude on April 23, with vote counting on May 4. The Commission has deployed Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act to oversee election management. Key states include West Bengal, where two-phase polling will occur starting April 23, with a focus on the contest between the Trinamool Congress and BJP. Assam will hold single-phase polling on April 9, with the BJP facing the Congress and regional parties. Tamil Nadu’s single-phase election on April 23 features a three-way contest between the DMK-led alliance, AIADMK-BJP combine, and TVK. Kerala and Puducherry will also conduct polls on April 9, with tight battles expected between the LDF, UDF, and other parties. The Election Commission reported that enforcement agencies have seized illicit inducements worth over Rs 408.82 crore since February 26, including cash, liquor, drugs, and other items. This follows the rollout of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) to track and document violations. The seizures include Rs 17.44 crore in cash, Rs 37.68 crore in liquor, Rs 167.38 crore in drugs, Rs 23 crore in precious metals, and over Rs 163.30 crore in other freebies. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was enforced immediately after the election schedule was announced on March 15. In Tamil Nadu, the Election Flying Squad recovered gold and silver items weighing 381 kilograms, valued at Rs 77 crore, from a car in Chennai.#trinamool_congress #dmk #election_commission_of_india #tamil_nadu_bjp #election_flying_squad
