Census move signals Feb-March timeline for 2027 assembly polls in five states

The Census exercise advancement in four states sets the election timeline for February-March. Manipur's assembly term ends first, followed by Goa, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. Uttar Pradesh's assembly term concludes later, allowing for early polls. The Election Commission will likely complete polls before Manipur's term expiry. The poll schedule for these five states may be announced in January 2027.