The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced the lifting of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in most states following the conclusion of the 2026 Assembly election process. The decision applies to Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where counting has been completed and results have already been declared.

The MCC, which comes into force from the announcement of election schedules, remains applicable until the completion of the entire electoral process, including polling and counting. With results now formally declared by Returning Officers across the concerned states, the Commission said the code has ceased to operate with immediate effect in all constituencies covered under the recent Assembly elections and related bypolls.

However, the ECI clarified that the Model Code of Conduct will continue to remain in force in the 144-Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal, where a fresh poll has been ordered. The Commission noted that this constituency remains an exception due to the ongoing electoral process there, requiring continued regulatory oversight.

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Earlier, the Election Commission had cancelled the entire polling process in Falta constituency in South 24 Parganas district following reports of alleged electoral malpractices and serious irregularities during voting held on April 29. A repoll has been scheduled across all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary booths, with voting set for May 21 and counting of votes planned for May 24.

The ECI said the decision to lift the MCC in other regions follows the successful completion of both Assembly elections and bye-elections held across multiple states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura. With results declared across these regions, normal governance and administrative activities can now resume without electoral restrictions.

The Commission also reiterated that the MCC is designed to ensure a level playing field during elections by regulating government announcements, political campaigning, and administrative decisions. With the bulk of the electoral process concluded, authorities said the continuation of the code is no longer necessary except in constituencies where voting is still pending, such as Falta.

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