NEW DELHI: The Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for assembly elections in five states and union territories, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, today at a press conference at 4.00 pm, according to news agency ANI.The date coincides with the deadline for filing appeals against the final electoral roll for West Bengal, which was published on February 28 and lists over 6.4 crore electors.The window for filing appeals against final rolls in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry has already closed. It is indicated that the upcoming elections will likely involve fewer phases than in 2021, when West Bengal went to polls over eight phases, Assam over three, and Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry in a single phase.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, VenezuelaTo conduct elections over a shorter period, the EC is expected to substantially increase the deployment of central forces, particularly in West Bengal. Reports suggest the total strength of central armed police forces (CAPFs) could surpass the 1,500 companies (around 1.4 lakh personnel) deployed for the 2024 Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections. About 500 companies (45,000 personnel) are already on advance deployment in West Bengal.Multi-phase polling is expected in West Bengal and Assam, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry may vote in a single phase. With the term of the West Bengal assembly expiring on May 7, voting in the state is likely to stretch from April into early May.The EC will also continue the adjudication of around 60 lakh ‘doubtful’ voter cases in West Bengal, handled by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court, with further appeals possible before tribunals. Supplementary voter lists incorporating approved cases will be published, as directed by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.Meanwhile, the EC has issued notifications for the appointment of returning officers for all 294 West Bengal constituencies, following the state government’s consent to provide officers of requisite seniority. The commission will closely monitor the deployment and randomisation of CAPF and state police personnel through special observers and CAPF nodal officers.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Warships On Standby Near Persian Gulf To Assist Vessels In Hormuz Amid West Asia WarTharoor Exposes Reality of LPG Shortages, Questions Modi Govt’s Claims”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West AsiaBJP Ends Alliance Speculation, Amit Shah Says Party Will Go Alone In Punjab’BRICS Members Directly Involved In West Asia Crisis’: India Shares BIG UPDATE Amid US-Iran WarIndian Ships Shivalik And Nanda Devi Sail Through Hormuz, Head To Gujarat Ports Amid LPG CrisisThe LCH Prachand: It Can Do What No Other Attack Helicopter In The World Can | WatchPM Modi Rolls Out Mega ₹18,680 Crore Road, Rail And Port Projects In West BengalCentre Ends Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention Under NSA After 6 Months Of Jail Over Ladakh ProtestU Visa Scam Busted: 11 Indian Nationals Accused Of Staging Armed Robberies In United States123Photostories9 high-protein sabzis to include in daily dietFrom Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar: 7 Indian cricketers whose sons also became cricketersNicole Kidman to Johnny Galecki: Popular American TV actors and their weird habits7 lesser-known Indian summer fruits and how to consume them7 effective natural ways to keep mosquitoes out of your homeForgetting simple things lately? 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NEW DELHI: The Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for assembly elections in five states and union territories, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, today at a press conference at 4.00 pm, according to news agency ANI.The date coincides with the deadline for filing appeals against the final electoral roll for West Bengal, which was published on February 28 and lists over 6.4 crore electors.The window for filing appeals against final rolls in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry has already closed. It is indicated that the upcoming elections will likely involve fewer phases than in 2021, when West Bengal went to polls over eight phases, Assam over three, and Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry in a single phase.To conduct elections over a shorter period, the EC is expected to substantially increase the deployment of central forces, particularly in West Bengal. Reports suggest the total strength of central armed police forces (CAPFs) could surpass the 1,500 companies (around 1.4 lakh personnel) deployed for the 2024 Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections. About 500 companies (45,000 personnel) are already on advance deployment in West Bengal.Multi-phase polling is expected in West Bengal and Assam, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry may vote in a single phase. With the term of the West Bengal assembly expiring on May 7, voting in the state is likely to stretch from April into early May.The EC will also continue the adjudication of around 60 lakh ‘doubtful’ voter cases in West Bengal, handled by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court, with further appeals possible before tribunals. Supplementary voter lists incorporating approved cases will be published, as directed by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.Meanwhile, the EC has issued notifications for the appointment of returning officers for all 294 West Bengal constituencies, following the state government’s consent to provide officers of requisite seniority. The commission will closely monitor the deployment and randomisation of CAPF and state police personnel through special observers and CAPF nodal officers.
