March 1: In view of the violence that prevails in West Bengal, due both to political rivalry and Maoist activities, the Election Commission on Tuesday announced a six-phase election schedule for the state. Of the other three states and one Union territory which will go to the polls to elect new Assemblies, Assam will have voting over two days while TN, Kerala and Puducherry will have single-day polling. Counting of votes for all areas will be on May 13.
West Bengal will hold polls on April 18, 23, 27, and May 3, 7 and 10. Assam will go to the polls on April 4 and 11, while voting will take place in TN, Kerala and Puducherry on April 13. On West Bengal, the CEC said the decision to go in for a six-phase election was taken after taking into account “ground realities”.