West Bengal Assembly Elections Set for Two-Phase Polling in April 2026
In a significant development for Indian democracy, the Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections. The polls will be conducted in just two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with the results scheduled for declaration on May 4. This marks the fewest number of phases for assembly elections in the state since the 2001 single-phase election, representing a substantial reduction from the eight-phase polling conducted during the 2021 elections.
Detailed Polling Schedule and Constituency Distribution
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar made the formal announcement on Sunday, outlining the comprehensive plan for the 294 assembly constituencies across West Bengal. The first phase of polling on April 23 will cover 152 assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts: Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Malda, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and West Burdwan.
The second phase on April 29 will encompass 142 constituencies across seven districts: Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, and East Burdwan. This phased approach aims to ensure smooth electoral operations while maintaining security and logistical efficiency.
Rationale Behind Reduced Polling Phases
Addressing questions about the dramatic reduction from eight phases in 2021 to just two phases for the upcoming elections, Chief Election Commissioner Kumar explained, "With regard to the West Bengal elections being held in two phases instead of the previous eight, the commission has held detailed deliberations. In its considered opinion, it was found necessary to reduce the number of phases to an extent where it is convenient for everyone."
He further emphasized that all necessary arrangements would be implemented to guarantee free, fair, and violence-free polling throughout the state. According to reliable sources, the Election Commission plans to deploy a general observer in each of the 294 constituencies along with approximately 100 police observers across West Bengal to monitor the electoral process.
Political Party Preferences and Electoral Roll Controversy
During the Election Commission's full bench visit to Kolkata last week, political parties expressed varying preferences regarding the polling schedule. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Bharatiya Janata Party advocated for a two-phase election, while the Indian National Congress favored a maximum of three phases. The ruling Trinamool Congress did not indicate any specific preference regarding the number of phases.
The reduction in polling phases occurs against the backdrop of intense political controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll. This revision process resulted in the deletion of 63 lakh names and placed approximately 60 lakh electors in the "under adjudication" category, sparking debates about voter inclusion and exclusion.
Defending Electoral Roll Integrity and Supplementary Lists
Chief Election Commissioner Kumar defended the Special Intensive Revision process, stating, "Pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of free and fair elections. SIR was conducted to ensure that no eligible elector is left out and no ineligible elector is included in the roll."
Regarding the supplementary voters' list that will be released based on the disposal of "under adjudication" cases by judicial officers, Kumar clarified, "As far as the list under adjudication is concerned, as I mentioned earlier, the learned judges are looking into cases individually. Whichever cases are approved by them shall be included in the final electoral rolls by way of a supplementary list, in terms of the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court."
Key Election Dates and Administrative Measures
The gazette notification for the West Bengal assembly elections will be issued on March 30, 2026, for the first phase and on April 2 for the second phase. Important deadlines include:
- Last date for filing nominations: April 6 (first phase) and April 9 (second phase)
- Scrutiny of nomination papers: April 7 (first phase) and April 10 (second phase)
- Last date for withdrawal of nominations: April 9 (first phase) and April 13 (second phase)
Responding to queries about police officers involved in violence during previous elections, the Chief Election Commissioner stated, "With regard to the police officers who were involved in violence in earlier elections, the list has been sought — as was shared with the media during our visit to West Bengal — and necessary action shall be taken as per the law."
The Election Commission's announcement sets the stage for what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest in one of India's most politically significant states, with the two-phase schedule representing a major departure from recent electoral practices in West Bengal.
