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ECI Full Bench to Visit Bengal Next Week for Crucial 2026 Poll Review

The full bench of the Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is likely to visit West Bengal on March 9 to review preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections. A key review meeting is scheduled for March 10, after which the poll dates may be announced. The Commission is coordinating with central security and investigative agencies to ensure law and order and curb the use of money and drugs during the elections. This follows the publication of the final electoral roll and a meeting with state electoral officers, amid clarifications on voter list entries and a request from a Congress leader to delay the date announcement.

Key Points: ECI to Visit Bengal, May Announce 2026 Poll Dates Next Week

  • Full ECI bench visit on March 9-10
  • Poll dates may be announced next week
  • Focus on security & agency coordination
  • Review of final electoral roll completed
3 min read

Bengal 2026 polls: Full bench of ECI likely to visit state next week

Election Commission's full bench, led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, to review West Bengal's poll preparedness on March 10. Security, coordination with central agencies on agenda.

"the full bench is scheduled to hold a review meeting in the state on March 10 - Sources in CEO office"

Kolkata, March 2

The full bench of the Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is likely to visit West Bengal on March 9 to review the post-Special Intensive Revision scenario in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

According to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, the full bench is scheduled to hold a review meeting in the state on March 10. If proceedings remain on schedule, the Commission is likely to announce the polling dates for the crucial Assembly elections next week.

Meanwhile, the ECI's scheduled virtual meeting with the State Nodal Police Officer (SNPO) and coordinating officers of various central security and investigating agencies has been postponed to March 5.

The central agencies whose coordinators are expected to attend the rescheduled meeting include the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Apart from reviewing arrangements for pre-poll, poll-day and post-poll security in the state, the meeting is expected to deliberate on improving coordination between state and Central agencies for the effective deployment of CAPFs.

It will also discuss strengthening coordination among intelligence and enforcement agencies to curb the use of money, liquor and drugs during the elections, and to ensure security in areas close to international and inter-state borders.

On Monday, the ECI held a virtual meeting with CEO West Bengal Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Additional CEOs, Joint CEOs, Deputy CEOs, District Magistrates -- who also serve as District Electoral Officers --and Superintendents of Police.

During the meeting, the Commission took stock of the situation following the publication of the final electoral roll on February 28 and reviewed preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly elections in the state.

Amid controversy over an alleged spelling error in the name of Supreme Court Justice Joymalya Bagchi in the final electoral roll, the Commission clarified on Monday that there had been no change in the spelling of the name and that the same entry had existed in the electoral roll from the beginning.

The Commission also maintained that no corrections or alterations were made to any names during the SIR exercise.

Earlier on Monday, former West Bengal Congress president and five-time Lok Sabha member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to the CEC urging him to refrain from announcing the polling dates until completion of the ongoing judicial adjudication of voters' documents placed under the "logical discrepancy" category.

These documents are currently being examined by judicial officers appointed by the Commission in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus on curbing money, liquor, and drugs is very welcome! 🎯 These have been major issues in past elections, influencing voters. Strong action from central agencies is needed. Let's hope for a peaceful and clean election process this time.
R
Rohit P
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has a point. Announcing dates before resolving the "logical discrepancy" cases could be problematic. The ECI must ensure every legitimate voter is on the list and no one is unfairly excluded. The Supreme Court's directions must be followed meticulously.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the level of detail and planning here is impressive. The involvement of so many agencies – CBI, ED, NIA, CAPFs – shows how complex security for Indian elections can be, especially in a state like Bengal. A fascinating process to watch unfold.
V
Vikram M
Security in border areas is a top priority. Given the state's geography, preventing any cross-border interference or smuggling of illicit items is essential for electoral integrity. The CAPFs have a tough job ahead.
M
Michael C
The clarification on the spelling error for the Supreme Court Justice is important. Small controversies can sometimes be blown out of proportion. The ECI needs to maintain clear communication to build public trust in the electoral roll.
K
Kavya N

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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