Assembly Elections 2026: DMK Files HC Petition Against TN BJP President Over Rs 4 Crore Seized During LS Polls
The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the highly anticipated assembly elections in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Polling is set to take place between April 9 and April 23, with the crucial vote counting scheduled for May 4. These elections are expected to witness intense competition among various political parties vying for power.
Election Commission's Preparatory Measures
Earlier this month, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, conducted visits to the poll-bound states to assess and review preparedness. In a significant move, the Commission has deployed Central Observers, utilizing its plenary powers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This deployment aims to oversee the conduct of elections and strengthen on-ground management, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
Key State-Wise Election Highlights
West Bengal: The state will undergo two-phase polling starting on April 23. The key contest is between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Additionally, approximately 60 lakh doubtful voter cases are currently under review, adding complexity to the electoral landscape.
Assam: Single-phase polling is scheduled for April 9. The BJP faces challenges from the Congress and various regional parties. To ensure smooth voting, heavy deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) has been planned.
Tamil Nadu: Single-phase polling will occur on April 23, featuring a three-way contest. The main alliances include the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-BJP combine, and the Tamil Manila Congress (TVK).
Kerala and Puducherry: Polling in these regions is set for April 9. Tight battles are expected between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF), and other regional and national parties.
Recent Developments and Enforcement Actions
In a notable development, the DMK has filed a petition in the High Court against the Tamil Nadu BJP president regarding Rs 4 crore seized during the Lok Sabha polls. This legal action underscores the heightened political tensions as elections approach.
The Election Commission reported that enforcement agencies have seized inducements worth over Rs 400 crore since the announcement of assembly polls. Between February 26 and March 25, total seizures amounted to Rs 408.82 crore, facilitated by the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS). The seized items include:
- Cash: Rs 17.44 crore
- Liquor: Rs 37.68 crore (over 16.3 lakh litres)
- Drugs: Rs 167.38 crore
- Precious Metals: Rs 23 crore
- Other Freebies: Exceeding Rs 163.30 crore
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect immediately after the election schedule announcement on March 15, covering Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry, and by-elections in six states.
Campaign Dynamics and Incidents
In West Bengal, clashes erupted between BJP and TMC supporters during an election campaign in South 24 Parganas district. Several police personnel were attacked while attempting to control the situation, leading to eight detentions. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal has sought a detailed report on the incident.
In Kerala, BJP leader Padmaja Venugopal, an NDA candidate from Thrissur, has intensified her campaign. She cited a search for mental peace and a commitment to development as reasons for leaving the Congress. Venugopal, daughter of late Congress stalwart K Karunakaran, is contesting in a triangular battle, emphasizing infrastructure improvements like the Infopark and drainage system.
Voter Awareness Initiatives
The Election Commission is leveraging popular culture to enhance voter engagement. As part of Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiatives, collaboration with the animated character Chhota Bheem is being used in Howrah district, West Bengal. This approach aims to make voter awareness messages more engaging and relatable for families, children, and first-time voters.
These elections mark a critical juncture in Indian politics, with significant stakes for all parties involved. The enforcement actions and legal petitions highlight the rigorous efforts to maintain electoral integrity, while campaign activities and incidents reflect the competitive spirit across the poll-bound regions.
