Bengal elections likely in just 3 phases as security forces set to double

The upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections may be conducted in just three phases, marking a major shift from previous polls that were spread over multiple rounds. The Election Commission is considering the move as part of a larger strategy to tighten security and streamline the voting process across the state.

Bengal has traditionally seen elections held in many phases due to security concerns and election-related violence. In 2021, polling was conducted in eight phases, partly due to the pandemic. This time, officials are working to significantly reduce the number of phases by deploying a much larger security force.

According to reports, nearly 2.5 lakh paramilitary personnel may be deployed across the state, almost double the number used in previous elections. The increased deployment is aimed at ensuring peaceful polling and allowing voting to be completed within a shorter timeframe.

Preparations are currently being handled by the State Election Commission, while a Central Election Commission delegation is expected to visit Bengal soon to review ground arrangements. A meeting held on January 5 reportedly discussed how enhanced security could enable fewer polling phases.

Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal has said the state is ready to conduct elections in three phases if additional forces are made available. Political observers note that a shorter election schedule could alter campaign dynamics, with voting for 294 seats likely in late April or early May.