Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticises EC after poll dates announcement for 4 states, 1 UT

Speaking to ANI, Chaturvedi alleged it favours the BJP, as the Prime Minister and Home Minister have already held rallies and announced development projects in election-bound states.

"The Election Commission is making announcements at a time when the Prime Minister's rallies have already taken place in the election-bound states, and he has announced development projects," she said.

"Today, the Home Minister is also making announcements, and after all this is over, the Election Commission's announcement of election dates shows links between the BJP and the Election Commission... We hope that the voters' right to vote will not be snatched away through SIR," the UBT MP said.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Assembly polls for Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. As per the announcement, the assembly elections will commence from April 9.

Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on April 9 in a single phase.

While in West Bengal, the first phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29. Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23 in a single phase.

Counting of votes for all five states and UTs is scheduled for May 4.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital today, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar termed the assembly polls a "festival of pride" and urged first-time voters to participate enthusiastically.

The CEC made a special appeal to young and first-time voters, saying, "My dear friends, you are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic right, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this great democratic exercise and cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence. Your vote is your choice in shaping the future of your state and the nation." (ANI)