The Election Commission of India (ECI) on April 03, 2026, announced the schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in select constituencies across multiple states. Polling will be held on April 9, 2026 (for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and certain bye-elections), April 23, 2026 (for Tamil Nadu and others), and in two phases for West Bengal on April 23 and April 29, 2026.
As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all eligible voters employed in any establishment must be granted a paid holiday on the day of polling. This applies to all workers, including daily wage and casual workers, and no wage deduction is permitted.
Employees working outside their registered constituency are also entitled to a paid holiday to cast their vote. State and UT Governments have been directed to ensure strict compliance so that all voters can exercise their voting rights freely and conveniently.
[Release ID: 2248749]
