New Delhi, March 16 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four states - West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam--along with the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Following the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into immediate effect in all poll-bound regions.

On 16 March, the ECI issued directions to the Chief Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer of the respective States/UTs regarding the immediate coming into force of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the States/UTs.

The MCC shall also be applicable to the Central Government in respect of announcements/policy decisions for the States/UT concerned, the poll panel said in a statement.

"The Commission direc...