ECI Announces Assembly Poll Schedule; Mandates Paid Leave for Voters on Polling Day

New Delhi : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 15, 2026, declared the schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Alongside, bye-elections will be conducted for eight Assembly constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Reiterating voter rights, the Commission emphasized that under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all eligible voters employed in any business, trade, industrial establishment, or other sectors must be granted a paid holiday on polling day.

The ECI made it clear that employers cannot deduct wages for this leave, and any violation of the provision will attract penalties. The rule applies equally to daily wage earners and casual workers, ensuring that no voter is deprived of their right to participate due to work commitments.

Additionally, the Commission clarified that voters working outside their registered constituency—particularly in industrial or commercial establishments—are also entitled to paid leave on polling day to enable them to return and cast their vote.

To ensure strict implementation, the ECI has directed all State and Union Territory governments to issue necessary instructions to concerned authorities so that voters can exercise their democratic rights freely and without hindrance.

1. Polls in the states are to be held as per the schedule given below: