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2,926 Candidates in Fray for West Bengal Assembly Elections: ECI

The Election Commission of India has finalized a total of 2,926 candidates for the West Bengal Assembly elections following the withdrawal process. The first phase sees 1,478 candidates contesting 152 constituencies, while the second phase has 1,448 candidates for 142 seats. Voters can access detailed candidate affidavits on criminal records and assets through the ECINet App. In a voter-friendly measure, EVM ballot papers will display coloured photographs of candidates alongside their names and party symbols.

Key Points: West Bengal Polls: 2,926 Candidates Finalized by ECI

  • 2,926 total candidates
  • Phase-I: 1,478 candidates
  • Phase-II: 1,448 candidates
  • EVMs to feature candidate photos
2 min read

2,926 candidates in fray for West Bengal polls: ECI

ECI finalizes 2,926 candidates for West Bengal Assembly elections across two phases. Get candidate details via ECINet App.

"citizens can access detailed information about candidates through the ECINet App - ECI"

New Delhi, April 14

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday announced that a total of 2,926 candidates remain in the fray for the West Bengal Assembly elections after the completion of the nomination withdrawal process.

For West Bengal (Phase-II), which is scheduled to go to the polls on April 29, the last date for filing nominations was April 9, followed by scrutiny on April 10. Candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until 3.00 p.m. on April 13.

Following the withdrawal deadline, the total number of candidates has been finalised.

In Phase-I of the West Bengal elections, covering 152 Assembly Constituencies, 1,478 candidates are contesting. In Phase-II, which includes 142 constituencies, 1,448 candidates are in the race. This brings the total number of candidates across both phases to 2,926.

The Commission stated that Returning Officers (ROs) will publish the final list of contesting candidates in the Official Gazette in accordance with the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.

Additionally, all documents related to nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawals will be securely sealed and maintained in official custody for each constituency.

ECI added that citizens can access detailed information about candidates through the ECINet App under the 'Know Your Candidate' section. This includes data on educational qualifications, criminal records, assets, liabilities, and downloadable affidavits.

In a voter-friendly move, the ECI has also ensured that Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers will feature coloured photographs of candidates along with their names, serial numbers, and party symbols in large fonts to facilitate ease of voting.

Meanwhile, the ECI on April 11 ordered a large-scale reshuffle within the state police. A total of 30 officers from the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, ranging from Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank to inspector level, were transferred.

Among key changes, Rupesh Kumar, who was holding additional charge as Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Kolkata Police, has been replaced by Soma Das Mitra, formerly DIG of the Criminal Investigation Department. Similarly, Joint Commissioner (Headquarters) Miraj Khalid has been replaced by Sudip Sarkar, previously serving as DIG (Personnel) in West Bengal Police.

The ECI had on March 15 declared the schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The 'Know Your Candidate' feature on the app is a game-changer! Finally, we can check backgrounds before voting. Hope people actually use it. Too many candidates with serious cases still get tickets. 🙏
D
David E
Interesting to see the police reshuffle by ECI. It's a crucial step to ensure free and fair polls, especially in a politically charged state like Bengal. Hope it prevents any undue influence.
P
Priyanka N
With so many candidates, the deposit forfeiture amount must be huge! Many are just dummy candidates to cut votes. ECI should maybe increase the deposit to discourage non-serious people. Just a thought.
A
Aman W
Phase 1: 1478, Phase 2: 1448. The numbers are almost equal, shows planning. But the real test is peaceful voting. Fingers crossed for Bengal. The world watches our largest democracy in action.
M
Meera T
Respectfully, while the process seems robust, the sheer number of candidates sometimes feels like a tactic to overwhelm the voter. Quality over quantity, please. We need candidates who genuinely want to serve, not just fill a slot.

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