Priyanka Gandhi Critiques Election Schedule Favoring BJP

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has raised concerns about the assembly election schedule for four states and one union territory, alleging it is designed to benefit the BJP. She emphasized that the announced dates seem to cater to the ruling party's interests. The Election Commission has encouraged voter participation, especially among first-time voters, and provided details on the voting schedule and counting dates. With elections set for 2026, the political landscape is heating up as parties prepare for the upcoming challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 14:10 IST

Congress MP Questions Election Dates

On Monday, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her concerns regarding the assembly election schedule for four states and one union territory, suggesting it has been tailored to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad, Kerala, stated that the announced election dates and phases seem to be set according to the BJP's convenience. The Election Commission revealed the dates for the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and the union territory of Puducherry, which are scheduled for 2026.

Election Commission Encourages Voter Participation

During a press conference in the national capital on Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described the assembly elections as a celebration of democracy and urged first-time voters to participate enthusiastically. Comprehensive revisions of voter lists have been completed in these four states and the union territory, with the final lists now published.

Voting Schedule and Counting Dates

Voting in West Bengal will occur in two phases on April 23 and April 29. In Kerala and Assam, voting will take place in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23. Additionally, Puducherry will also conduct voting on April 9. The Election Commission has announced that the counting of votes for all four states and Puducherry will take place on May 4. The current assemblies will conclude their terms on different dates: May 7 in West Bengal, May 10 in Tamil Nadu, May 20 in Assam, May 23 in Kerala, and June 15 in Puducherry.