Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal election dates likely after February 15
What's the story
The Election Commission will likely announce the poll schedule for five states and union territories after February 15. Elections are due in the states of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the union territory of Puducherry this summer. Reportedly, the elections in West Bengal are likely to be held in six to eight phases. Here are more details.
Details
Detailed election schedule in February-end or early-March
Sources in the Election Commission told India Today that the poll panel will likely announce a detailed election schedule for the five states/UTs in February-end or early-March. The schedule will be announced after the commission completes its tour of the southern states to oversee the poll preparedness of the agencies. It has already visited Assam and West Bengal, according to News18.
Schedule
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry likely to hold single-phase elections
Reportedly, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry would vote in a single-phase election. However, the elections in Assam may take place in two or three phases, while West Bengal will likely vote in six-eight phases. Votes will reportedly be counted the same day as the election in all these states. The final call on the poll schedule will be taken after February 15.
State visits
Commission's visit to southern states starts today
The top brass of the Election Commission would visit Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala starting Wednesday, News18 reported. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Sushil Chandra and Rajiv Kumar will reportedly visit Tamil Nadu on February 10 and 11, followed by Puducherry on February 12, and Kerala on February 13 and 14 to interact with poll officials, civil/police officers, and political parties.
Information
Elections likely to be held in April
The terms of the Legislative Assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal end on different dates in May and June. Elections in these states/UTs are likely to be held in April before the CBSE Class X/XII board examinations begin in May.