NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Sunday announced that the assembly polls in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 — unlike the eight-phase polling conducted in 2021.While announcing the poll schedule of 4 states and one Union territory, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the reduction of phases were found necessary to make elections convenient to everybody.”With regards to the West Bengal elections to be held in two phases instead of eight phases earlier, the Commission has held detailed deliberations and in its considered opinion, it was found necessary to reduce the number of phases and bring it down to an extent where it is convenient for everybody,” Kumar said.The Chief Election Commissioner also addressed the concerns over poll violence and said that necessary action shall be taken on police offers who were found to be involved in earlier polls.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, Venezuela”With regards to the police officers who were involved in the violence in earlier elections, the list has been sought, as is known to the media during our visit to West Bengal, and necessary action as per law shall be taken. With regards to the supplementary list, as per the orders of the Supreme Court, the learned judges working under the directions of the High Court of Calcutta would be bringing out this supplementary list and as and when the supplementary list of names is coming out, they shall be included in addition to the existing electors,” he added.The EC announced election dates for the four poll-bound states — Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal — and Puducherry, a Union territory, on Sunday. Track all updates from the Election Commission press conference here.The counting of votes for the West Bengal assembly elections 2026 will take place on May 4, along with that of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party and TMC hailed the poll body’s decision to hold a two-phase poll in West Bengal.In a post on X, BJP West Bengal said voters will cast their ballots in two phases on April 23 and April 29.”This is not merely an election, it is a civilisational battle. The countdown to the end of Maha Jungle Raj has begun,” it added.Referring to the counting date of May 4, the BJP said, “Fifty days to go — May 4 will mark a new dawn for Bengal.”Responding to the poll announcement, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said the people of the state are firmly behind the ruling party.”People of Bengal are with TMC. This was again shown in the massive turnout of youth in Yuva Sathi camps held by the Mamata Banerjee government,” he added.In the 2021 Bengal elections, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress secured 215 seats, while Bharatiya Janata Party became the official opposition with 77 seats.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On AfghanistanSupreme Court Asked to Phase Out IPS Deputation, But CAPF Bill Does The OppositeIndian Navy Warships On Standby Near Persian Gulf To Assist Vessels In Hormuz Amid West Asia WarTharoor Exposes Reality of LPG Shortages, Questions Modi Govt’s Claims”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West Asia123PhotostoriesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India6 Biggest Controversies in Oscars History: From Will Smith’s slap to ‘Envelope-gate’ Best Picture mix-upArtery ageing in your 30s? 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NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Sunday announced that the assembly polls in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 — unlike the eight-phase polling conducted in 2021.While announcing the poll schedule of 4 states and one Union territory, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the reduction of phases were found necessary to make elections convenient to everybody.“With regards to the West Bengal elections to be held in two phases instead of eight phases earlier, the Commission has held detailed deliberations and in its considered opinion, it was found necessary to reduce the number of phases and bring it down to an extent where it is convenient for everybody,” Kumar said.The Chief Election Commissioner also addressed the concerns over poll violence and said that necessary action shall be taken on police offers who were found to be involved in earlier polls.“With regards to the police officers who were involved in the violence in earlier elections, the list has been sought, as is known to the media during our visit to West Bengal, and necessary action as per law shall be taken. With regards to the supplementary list, as per the orders of the Supreme Court, the learned judges working under the directions of the High Court of Calcutta would be bringing out this supplementary list and as and when the supplementary list of names is coming out, they shall be included in addition to the existing electors,” he added.The EC announced election dates for the four poll-bound states — Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal — and Puducherry, a Union territory, on Sunday. Track all updates from the Election Commission press conference here.The counting of votes for the West Bengal assembly elections 2026 will take place on May 4, along with that of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party and TMC hailed the poll body’s decision to hold a two-phase poll in West Bengal.In a post on X, BJP West Bengal said voters will cast their ballots in two phases on April 23 and April 29.“This is not merely an election, it is a civilisational battle. The countdown to the end of Maha Jungle Raj has begun,” it added.Referring to the counting date of May 4, the BJP said, “Fifty days to go — May 4 will mark a new dawn for Bengal.”Responding to the poll announcement, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said the people of the state are firmly behind the ruling party.“People of Bengal are with TMC. This was again shown in the massive turnout of youth in Yuva Sathi camps held by the Mamata Banerjee government,” he added.In the 2021 Bengal elections, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress secured 215 seats, while Bharatiya Janata Party became the official opposition with 77 seats.
