Bengal votes in 2 phases; polling on 23rd and 29th April, counting on 4th May; Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly to vote in 2nd phase

The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, marking the beginning of a high-octane political battle. The state will go to the polls in two distinct phases. The first phase, covering 152 Assembly Constituencies, is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase for the remaining 142 constituencies on April 29. This compact schedule is a significant departure from the multi-phase elections seen in previous years.

With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced with immediate effect across the state. This means the state government is now prohibited from announcing new projects, schemes, or financial grants that could influence voters. Political parties must also adhere to strict guidelines regarding campaigning and public meetings. The gazette notifications for the two phases will be issued on March 30 and April 2, respectively, setting the nomination process in motion.

The counting of votes for West Bengal, along with other states and the Union Territory where elections are being held, will take place on May 4. The entire electoral process is mandated to be completed by May 6. This announcement has electrified the political atmosphere in Bengal, as the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP gear up for a direct face-off in what is expected to be a historic mandate.