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Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29, so that it is “convenient” for the electorate
West Bengal will vote in two phases for the first time in 25 years. (Image for representation: PTI)
The Election Commission of India has done away with the usual multiple-phase polling schedule in West Bengal, which will vote in two phases for the first time in 25 years.
The 2026 assembly election in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the counting of votes on May 4. The Election Commission (EC) announced the polling schedule for West Bengal, Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday.
Chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said Bengal will go to polls in two phases so it is “convenient” for the electorate.
“The commission held deliberations and discussions on this and it was decided to bring the two-phase (election) for West Bengal to make it convenient for people,” Gyanesh Kumar said during a press conference, when asked why the EC decided to change the polling norm in Bengal.
Government sources, however, indicated a logistical constraints as well as political calculations as a reason behind the shift to a two-phase polling schedule in Bengal.
For nearly two decades, elections in the politically volatile eastern state have been synonymous with long, staggered polling schedules. Since 2006, the polls have unfolded in five or more phases.
March 15, 2026, 17:26 IST
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