New Delhi, March 15 Following the announcement of the election schedule for assembly elections in four states and a Union Territory by the Election Commission, the Congress said on Sunday that it would emerge victorious in all these states, and that the BJP would face widespread rejection for its "anti-people, divisive, and destructive politics".
In a post on X, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said the Congress "will make history" on May 4.
"The long-awaited elections for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Puducherry have finally been announced! We are confident that we will emerge victorious in all states, and that the BJP will face widespread rejection for their anti-people, divisive, and destructive politics, which have weakened India globally and brought misery to the poor and marginalized sections of India," Venugopal said.
"In Tamil Nadu, our strong alliance with (Chief Minister) M K Stalin will return to power and continue its excellent record of good governance," he said.
"And undoubtedly, in my home state, Kerala, the UDF will receive massive support from all sections of society and will win with a landslide victory of over 100 seats!" Venugopal said, adding, "We will make history on May 4!"
Earlier in the day, he said the campaign period was very short.
"In between, there will be Holy Week, and the election is scheduled a few days before the Vishu festival. In practical terms, there are very limited days for campaigning," he said.
Venugopal, however, said the Congress is ready for the election.
"The UDF will strongly move forward to end the misgovernance by the LDF in Kerala. The people of Kerala are eagerly waiting for it," he said.
The Election Commission announced on Sunday that assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will be held on a single day on April 9, in Tamil Nadu on April 23, and in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, while votes will be counted for all polls on May 4.
Compared to the eight voting days spread across almost a month in 2021, there will be three polling days in a span of 20 days in the elections this year, which will see the BJP trying to retain power in Assam, while it will be pitted against the ruling parties in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Puducherry is governed by the NDA partner, All India N R Congress.
A total of 17.4 crore voters are eligible to vote in the elections to the five assemblies with 824 constituencies.
The model code of conduct has come into effect immediately with the announcement of the poll schedule.
Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala are currently ruled by the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Trinamool Congress, and Left Front, respectively.
There are 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu where DMK leader M K Stalin has been the chief minister since 2021.
West Bengal has a total of 294 assembly seats with TMC leader Mamata Banerjee in power since 2011.
Kerala has 140 seats, and Left leader Pinarayi Vijayan has been the chief minister since 2016, leading the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
In Assam, there are 126 assembly seats, and the BJP has been in power in the Northeastern state since 2016. Himanta Biswa Sarma has been the chief minister since 2021.
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy has been in power since 2021. The Union Territory has a total of 30 seats where polling will take place.
The term of the assembly will end in West Bengal on May 7, in Tamil Nadu on May 10, in Assam on May 20, in Kerala on May 23, and in Puducherry on June 15.