Congress general secretary (organisation) K. C. Venugopal on Monday (March 16, 2026) accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of bias in announcing the poll schedule, claiming that the dates were designed to restrict the party’s campaign window.
Mr. Venugopal criticised the decision to hold the first phase of polling on April 9 in States where the Congress is a key contender. “There seems to be no urgency as the results will be announced only on May 4,” he told reporters at the Parliament complex.
According to the schedule announced on Sunday, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will vote in a single phase on April 9.
Mr. Venugopal said that after the last date for withdrawal of nominations, candidates would have barely 10 days for full-fledged campaigning as the period coincides with the Holy Week. Election-related activities would be difficult on days such as Good Friday, especially in Christian-majority areas, he said, adding that the schedule also overlaps with the Vishu festival in Kerala.
Pointing out that polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is scheduled in later phases, he alleged that the dates in some States, where the Congress is expected to put up a strong fight, were fixed with an aim to curtail campaign period.
“So, the Election Commission’s approach is very clear. These election dates have been announced to cut short the campaigning by candidates and limit the Congress leaders who lead the campaign,” Mr. Venugopal alleged.
He said a similar approach was evident during the Assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra as well.
“So, there is no doubt that the Election Commission’s approach is very mysterious,” the Congress leader said, adding that he did not know whether the State Governments had any role in it.
However, he asserted that the early poll date would not affect the Congress’ prospects in the upcoming elections.
Published - March 16, 2026 04:36 pm IST
