Though the ECI had originally hoped to reduce the number of polling phases in Bengal this time – down from the eight-phase election in 2021, as it had managed to do with J&K polls in 2025 – it is now finding it increasingly difficult to compress the schedule, it is learnt. Internal assessments indicate that it may not be possible to hold elections in the state in less than six phases. In 2021, polling was held in eight phases amid Covid pandemic, and in six phases in 2016.
Two key factors are at play in 2026: first, the high security deployment traditionally required for hard-fought elections in Bengal; and second, the prolonged Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the ensuing ‘adjudication’ process, which has necessitated an even tighter law and order vigil – with the fate of over 60 lakh electors still hanging in the balance. Security, in fact, remains a top concern in West Bengal, and over 200 Central Armed Police Forces companies are already deployed in the state.
Calendar-wise Dates
High-level deliberations are underway at the ECI to draw up the schedule, which is already running late compared to 2021, when the poll panel announced elections on February 27. Mid-March is expected to be the outer limit, keeping in mind the 40-45 day period usually required for an election. Given precedent and convention, the election schedule for all four states and one Union Territory is likely to be announced in one go by the ECI, even if the poll-bound states are split into two polling calendars, as is being mulled. It is learnt that, given the delayed SIR process, Bengal may begin slightly later and conclude last – possibly stretching into early May – but it still has to adhere to the May 7 deadline for the new assembly to be in place. Kerala may also see a later poll date than other states, as its new assembly must be constituted by May 23.
Tamil Nadu faces a May 10 deadline, while Assam and Puducherry are more comfortably placed, with May 20 and June 15 deadlines, respectively, for the formation of new assemblies. In terms of process, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are already ahead of the curve, with the full ECI headed by CEC Gyanesh Kumar having completed visits to all three last week.
Kerala, however, is still awaiting review and will only be assessed during the ECI field visit on March 6-7. Plans for a West Bengal visit will follow, but are yet to be finalised – even as chief minister Mamata Banerjee is set to stage a dharna against the ECI on March 6 over the SIR.
