The political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with major developments unfolding across several States. The Election Commission of India has stepped up its preparations for the West Bengal polls by ordering a reshuffle of senior अधिकारियों. As part of the move, two सचिव-level officers have been deputed as observers to other poll-bound States, while 13 IAS and five IPS officers have been assigned crucial election management responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accelerated its candidate selection process. Its Central Election Committee met in New Delhi under the leadership of party president Nitin Nabin. The बैठक was attended by key leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and organisation general secretary B. L. Santhosh. The committee deliberated on finalising candidates for Assam and Puducherry.
In West Bengal, the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is witnessing internal dissent after releasing its candidate list. Several sitting MLAs and party leaders have openly expressed dissatisfaction over being denied tickets, indicating signs of rebellion despite the party’s claim of a “controlled churn” aimed at addressing anti-incumbency.
On the electoral calendar, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will vote on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 23. West Bengal elections will be conducted in two phases—April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all these States and Union Territories is scheduled for May 4, 2026.
Additionally, in Tamil Nadu, persons with disabilities are set to launch a campaign in Chennai demanding greater accessibility in the electoral process, highlighting inclusivity concerns in the democratic exercise.
