Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry will vote on May 16

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four States and one Union Territory, which will be conducted in multiple phases from April 4 to May 16.

Elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on May 16, said Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi. In West Bengal, owing to security issues, polling will be held in six phases, the first phase on April 4 and 11, and the rest on April 17, 21, 25, 30 and May 5. Assam will go to the polls in two phases on April 4 and 11.

Asked whether action would be taken if any reference was made on the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to remit the life sentence of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convicts, Mr. Zaidi said: “As and when the reference comes, the Commission will take an appropriate view to ensure that our voters are not influenced.”

The votes will be counted on May 19.