ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
ECI imposes 48-hour dry day restrictions in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal ahead of polling
In preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has announced a ban on alcohol sales in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, introducing dry days leading up to polling and during vote counting. Authorities are mandated to enforce these restrictions rigorously, promoting a fairer and more tranquil voting atmosphere.
West Bengal polls: ECI cracks down on musclemen, 135 arrested ahead of Phase 1 voting
As West Bengal braces for electoral battles, state officials are implementing rigorous security strategies. With more than 135 arrests made to date, the focus is on ensuring a tranquil election process. The Election Commission is harnessing advanced AI surveillance technology and outfitting security personnel with bodycams.
'I-PAC a means to earn money by promoting corruption': BJP's Dilip Ghosh slams TMC ahead of Bengal polls
West Bengal BJP candidate from the Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency, Dilip Ghosh, on Monday called the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) a "means to promote corruption" in the state following the arrest of Director Vinesh Chandel in a money laundering case.
West Bengal polls: ECI flags 55 seats as 'expenditure sensitive'
West Bengal faces heightened election scrutiny. The Election Commission has marked 55 constituencies as expenditure sensitive. This year, 100 observers are deployed, the highest number across poll-bound regions. Seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies have surged. Several border areas and urban centers are under close watch to ensure fair elections.
Political Parties to remove fake content on social media platforms within 3 hours of coming to their notice: ECI
The poll body noted that over 11,000 violative social media posts have been addressed since March 15, while 3,10,393 complaints were resolved via the C-Vigil app, highlighting a 96.01% resolution rate within 100 minutes.
West Bengal: Election Commission adds around 7 lakh new voters ahead of polls
West Bengal's electoral rolls have seen a significant addition of seven lakh new voters. These new electors will participate in the upcoming assembly polls. Over 3.22 lakh will vote in the first phase, with the remaining nearly 3.88 lakh in the second phase. The total electorate now stands at over 6.82 crore.
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ET Graphics: Bengal picture abhi bhi baaki hai; SIR’s changing playbook
India's Election Commission is revising voter lists, removing over 5.98 crore names. The process, starting in Bihar, has changed significantly. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are now undergoing revisions. West Bengal's revision faced legal challenges, leading to mass deletions and judicial oversight. The exercise aims to ensure accurate voter rolls.
Sonia Gandhi's electoral list matter: Court asks counsel to file written submissions within a week
A Delhi court is hearing a revision petition challenging a magistrate's order refusing to register an FIR against Sonia Gandhi. The complainant alleges Gandhi was included in the electoral roll in 1980 without being an Indian citizen, becoming one only in 1983. The court has asked for written submissions and listed the matter for May 16.
ECI rolls out ‘Democracy Express’ in Darjeeling to drive voter awareness
The Election Commission of India organised a voter awareness campaign in North Bengal. The iconic Darjeeling toy train was used to encourage participation in elections. A 'Democracy Express' also traveled through Darjeeling, spreading messages of peaceful and fair elections. Cultural programs and a walkathon were part of the outreach. First-time voters were honored.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accuses Nirmala Sitharaman of breaking MCC
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of violating the Model Code of Conduct by distributing cards to women before elections. Banerjee alleged that the BJP is misusing power and agencies to threaten voters and collect data, warning that women will be robbed of their bank account information and money.
EC gives deadline to West Bengal to withdraw excess security for poll deployment
The Election Commission has ordered West Bengal to withdraw excess security from private individuals by Friday evening. This move aims to free up state police personnel for crucial booth-level election duties. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the decision, alleging selective targeting of Trinamool Congress leaders. The state is preparing for polling on April 23 and 29.
Zero tolerance for violence; repoll if any disruption: EC
West Bengal is preparing for elections with a focus on intimidation-free polling. Super-sensitive booths have been identified across districts like Malda, Murshidabad, and Cooch Behar. Enhanced security measures and customized plans are being implemented. The Election Commission of India emphasizes zero tolerance for violence. Repolls will be ordered if necessary to ensure fair elections.
Voters cleared by tribunals up to 2 days before polls can vote: SC
The Supreme Court has ruled that voters in West Bengal cleared by appellate tribunals at least two days before polling will be eligible to vote in the upcoming Assembly elections. The court directed the Election Commission to issue supplementary electoral rolls by April 21 and April 27, ensuring these orders are implemented.
West Bengal assembly elections 2026: SC dismisses plea against EC move to transfer chief secretary, DGP, others
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission of India's orders to transfer senior police officers and bureaucrats in West Bengal. The court noted that such transfers are common. While acknowledging the legal issue of consultation, the bench declined to intervene in the current matter. The Calcutta High Court had previously refused to interfere with the transfers.
From bamboo walls to AI eyes: West Bengal election gets unprecedented surveillance push
The Election Commission of India is enhancing surveillance for the West Bengal Assembly polls by installing cameras for 100% webcasting, monitored by AI technology. Temporary bamboo fencing will also be erected at polling stations lacking boundary walls to prevent unauthorized access and improve security.
Polls for nine Maharashtra Legislative Council seats scheduled for May 12: EC
Elections for nine Maharashtra Legislative Council seats are scheduled for May 12, as announced by the Election Commission of India. The tenure of these nine MLCs concludes on May 13, 2026, prompting the need for these biennial elections. The notification will be issued on April 23, with nominations closing on April 30.
Central forces tried to check my car, says Mamata
Mamata Banerjee alleged that central forces attempted to search her car near Kolkata airport and accused Union leaders of misusing security vehicles, questioning why only Trinamool leaders were being targeted during checks. The Election Commission denied any such VVIP search, while Banerjee also accused the BJP and central agencies of harassment ahead of elections, urging voters to respond politically.
Centre plans Lok Sabha expansion to 850 seats, women’s quota from 2029
India's electoral map is set for a major change. The Lok Sabha could have up to 850 seats. Parliament and state assemblies may see a 50% increase in seats. From 2029, over 270 seats could be reserved for women. This move aims to implement the women's reservation law sooner. A special parliamentary session will discuss these proposals.
Assets dip, affiliations shift: Stalin, Udhayanidhi among Tamil Nadu leaders reporting lower wealth
M. K. Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin and other Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders have reported a decline in declared assets over five years, largely due to exiting business links under scrutiny, while the wealth of their spouses has risen in several cases.
Madras HC seeks I-T report in Udhayanidhi Stalin poll affidavit 'discrepancies' case
The Madras High Court has asked the Income Tax Department for a report. This is regarding alleged differences in poll affidavits filed by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. A petitioner claims over Rs 7 crore in investments disappeared between affidavits. The court will hear the case again on April 20. Elections are scheduled for April 23.
West Bengal Polls: ‘Boroline’ remark sparks row in Kolkata; Mamata Banerjee hits out at poll authorities
A remark by a Kolkata South election officer warning troublemakers would need “Boroline” and “Burnol” has sparked a political row, with Mamata Banerjee criticising poll authorities. The Trinamool Congress filed a complaint, calling the post inflammatory and in violation of election rules. The Election Commission has sought a report. Banerjee also alleged targeting of her party and raised concerns over possible arrests of booth agents.
Can't let those with appeals pending to vote: Apex Court
The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals with pending appeals against their exclusion from the voter list cannot participate in the upcoming West Bengal elections. Over 34 lakh appeals are currently being heard. The court emphasized that allowing these voters would be meaningless. Those whose appeals are resolved by April 9 will be included.
"High voter turnout signals anti-incumbency, Congress likely to win in Assam, Keralam, Puducherry": Rashid Alvi
Congress leader Rashid Alvi sees high voter turnout in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry as a sign of anti-incumbency, predicting Congress victories. He criticized Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's conduct. The Election Commission hailed the polling as historic, with record turnouts in Assam and Puducherry, and strong participation in Kerala.
Tamil Nadu Polls: EPS backs Election Commission officer transfers, says move ensures fairness
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami supported the Election Commission's decision to transfer top officials in Tamil Nadu. He stated the move was necessary for fair elections. Palaniswami questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin's objection to the transfers. He mentioned that officials had been with the DMK government for a long time.
Election Commission of India meet turns tense; observer removed after clash with CEC Gyanesh Kumar
A senior election observer was removed from his post after a heated exchange with the Chief Election Commissioner. The incident occurred during a high-level election review meeting. The observer reportedly challenged the CEC's remarks. Sources indicated the removal was due to professional incompetence, not the confrontation. The meeting also addressed vulnerable polling booths.
WB 2026 assembly elections: Election Commission plans AI to flag booth jamming, irregularities in Bengal
The Election Commission of India is set to deploy an AI-based surveillance system in West Bengal's assembly elections to detect and flag booth jamming and other irregularities. This initiative aims to ensure immediate action against voter intimidation and promote violence-free polls. The system will monitor activities inside and outside polling booths, assisting observers and officials in maintaining order.
Sad, desperate effort by scared Congress: Rajeev Chandrasekhar rejects allegations on asset disclosure
Keralam BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has dismissed Congress claims of undeclared assets. He labels the allegations a desperate move by a scared opposition to shift focus from development. Chandrasekhar predicts future Keralam elections will feature only the NDA against a combined Congress and LDF. Congress leader KS Sabarinathan had filed a complaint with the Election Commission regarding alleged undeclared assets.
Now out in open: Arvind Kejriwal slams ECI's 'straight-talk' to TMC, repeats claim of poll body 'working under BJP'
These remarks come in the backdrop of ECI's recent 'X' post, following a meeting with the TMC's delegation, which stated that they have been given an "ultimatum" for fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free, raid-free, and source-jamming-free elections in West Bengal.
ECI bans all campaigning, opinion polls, and voter outreach during 48-hour silence period
The Election Commission of India has announced the Silent Period for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, commencing April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM, prohibiting all campaigning for 48 hours before polling. This includes public meetings, rallies, and electronic media dissemination. Assam will vote on April 9, with counting on May 4.
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