NEW DELHI — The Election Commission of India (ECI) has called a press conference for March 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM to announce the official schedule for upcoming Assembly elections. The announcement covers West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.

Key Takeaways:

• Model Code of Conduct: The MCC will take effect immediately following the 4 PM announcement, freezing all new government projects and policy decisions in the affected regions.
• Polling Expectations: While Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry are likely to vote in a single phase, West Bengal and Assam are expected to have multi-phase polling.
• Security & Vigilance: In West Bengal, the ECI is reviewing roughly 60 lakh "doubtful" voter cases under judicial oversight following a high-stakes Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
• Political Timeline: Voting is anticipated for April, with results expected in early May, just before the current assembly terms expire.