West Bengal Election: Preparations and discussions regarding the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 have already begun within administrative circles. While poll workers and citizens await the final schedule, the key question remains: In how many phases will this high-stakes election be conducted?
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has reportedly proposed conducting the entire election in a single phase to streamline the process. A proposal to this effect has already been forwarded to the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, considering the ground reality and security logistics, the Commission in New Delhi is seemingly exploring a different strategy.
ECI’s Likely Plan: A Three-Phase Election
According to sources within the Election Commission, the apex body is contemplating holding the polls in three phases, diverging from the state’s single-phase request. The preliminary plan divides the state geographically:
- North Bengal: Polling to be completed in a single phase.
- South Bengal: The election process here is likely to be split into two phases.
The final decision heavily relies on the availability and deployment of Central Forces. Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has reportedly started calculating the force requirements to ensure a smooth electoral process.
7 Districts Flagged as ‘Sensitive’
Reviewing the history of violence in previous elections, the Commission has placed seven districts under special surveillance. Directives have been issued from Delhi to immediately identify sensitive booths within the state. The districts identified as high-priority areas include:
- Cooch Behar
- Uttar Dinajpur
- Malda
- Murshidabad
- Birbhum
- North 24 Parganas
- South 24 Parganas
While the state administration advocates for a single-phase election, the final schedule will ultimately depend on the ECI’s assessment of security needs and the quantum of central forces available for deployment. Ensuring safety in these sensitive districts remains the Commission’s top priority.
