Assembly Elections: Over 2,000 Candidates Ready for Key State Contests
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has completed scrutiny for the 2026 Assembly elections, confirming over 2,000 candidates across key states. With elections approaching, the focus now shifts to the withdrawal phase, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle.
Key Takeaways
Scrutiny of nomination papers completed for 2026 Assembly elections.
Over 2,140 candidates confirmed across key states.
Kerala leads with 985 candidates for 140 seats.
Withdrawal of nominations deadline is March 26 at 3 p.m.
Election Commission emphasizes transparency in the electoral process.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Wednesday that the review of nomination documents for the upcoming Assembly elections and by-elections in 2026 has been finalized, solidifying the candidate lineup across several crucial states set to vote next month.
The elections will be held in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, in addition to by-elections across six states.
The cutoff date for nominations in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, which will cast their votes on April 9, was March 23. Following the review, a total of 2,140 candidates are now in the race for the Assembly elections across these three states and one Union Territory.
As per an official notice from the Commission, the scrutiny was conducted by Returning Officers on March 24 and has been completed for all states heading to the polls, including the Union Territory and by-elections.
This process was carried out in the presence of candidates and their authorized representatives, with comprehensive videography to maintain transparency.
Kerala leads with 985 candidates vying for 140 seats, followed by Assam with 789 candidates contesting 126 seats. Puducherry has 366 candidates running for its 30-member Assembly.
In the by-elections, a total of 66 candidates are competing across five Assembly constituencies. Karnataka has the highest concentration with 50 candidates across two seats, while Goa has three candidates, Nagaland has seven, and Tripura has six.
The Election Commission confirmed that the list of validly nominated candidates has been compiled and posted on notice boards, alongside photographs of the candidates for voter recognition.
The definitive picture of the contest will be clearer after the deadline for nomination withdrawals, which is set for March 26 at 3 p.m.
The ECI emphasized that all procedures have been executed according to established guidelines, highlighting a commitment to fairness and transparency. With the scrutiny phase concluded, focus will now shift to the withdrawal segment, after which the electoral landscape will be distinctly outlined as polling day approaches.
Point of View
The political landscape is set to undergo significant changes. The emphasis on transparency and adherence to guidelines reflects a robust democratic process, encouraging active voter engagement.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Assembly elections scheduled?
The Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, 2026, in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
How many candidates are contesting in the elections?
A total of 2,140 candidates are in the fray for the Assembly elections across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and one Union Territory.
What is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations?
The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is set for March 26 at 3 p.m.
What measures were taken to ensure transparency during the scrutiny?
The scrutiny process was conducted in the presence of candidates and authorized representatives, with full videography to ensure transparency.
Which state has the highest number of candidates?
Kerala has the highest number of candidates, with 985 contesting for 140 seats.
