New Delhi, March 21 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, on March 15, 2026.

The ECI has issued orders mandating that any registered political party, group, organization, association, contesting candidate, or individual must apply to the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for pre-certification of all political advertisements on electronic media-including television, radio, audio-visual displays at public places, e-papers, bulk SMS/voice messages, and social media-before publication.

Individuals or contesting candidates can apply for certifica...