Political activities gained momentum in five states after the announcement of election schedule on Tuesday. Model code of conduct came into immediate effect after the Election Commission announced a six phase voting in West Bengal, a two stage poll in Assam and a single day poll in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Counting of votes in all the five states will take place on May 13th.

Political parties in these states have geared up their activities to finalize the lists of candidates. The Communist Party of India (CPI) has released its first list of candidates for 22 to contest from the State.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has announced that she will not contest the Assembly elections in West Bengal and campaign for her party. She said in Kolkata, in case her party wins, she would get elected to the Assembly within six months for which there is a constitutional provision.

Tamil Nadu state units of BJP and CPM have raised objections on the announcement of the polling date which falls on April 13th citing various reasons. The State BJP said that as a section of people in the State would be celebrating the Tamil New Year day on April 14th, the present polling date would dampen the preparations of the New Year celebrations. The CPM state Unit said that around nine lakh students appearing for class 10 exams scheduled from March 28 to April 11 in Tamilnadu and Puducherry will also be affected due to campaigning.