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Bengal Polls: 1,586 Candidates Vie for 152 Seats in First Phase

A total of 1,586 candidates have filed nomination papers for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections covering 152 constituencies. The final candidate count may change after the withdrawal deadline on April 9. This represents a significant increase from the 1,062 candidates who contested these same seats in the 2021 elections. Polling for this phase is scheduled for April 23, with results to be declared on May 4.

Key Points: 1,586 Candidates File Nominations for Bengal Phase 1 Polls

  • 1,586 candidates file for 152 seats
  • Nomination forms total 2,304
  • Last day for withdrawal is April 9
  • Results to be declared on May 4
2 min read

Bengal polls: 1,586 candidates file nomination papers for April 23 1st phase

A record 1,586 candidates have filed nominations for West Bengal's first phase of Assembly elections covering 152 constituencies on April 23.

"The number 1,586 candidates... might get reduced later at the end of the withdrawal of nomination papers - CEO's office insider"

Kolkata, April 7

A total of 1,586 candidates have filed nomination papers from 152 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, which are going to the polls in the first phase on April 23.

Monday was the last day to file nominations for the first phase in West Bengal. At the end of the day, a total of 1,586 candidates are in the fray for the first phase, said an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

However, since some of these candidates have filed more than one nomination form, the total of nomination forms received by the Commission till Monday evening stood at 2,304.

The CEO's office insider clarified that, as per the rules of the Election Commission of India (ECI), one candidate can file more than one nomination and also from more than one constituency.

"However, the number 1,586 candidates that are in the fray till Monday night might get reduced later at the end of the withdrawal of nomination papers," the CEO's office insider said.

The last day for withdrawal of the nominations for the first phase of polling is April 9. The scrutiny of the nominations filed for the first phase of polls will be done during the day.

In the last Assembly elections in 2021, a total of 1,062 candidates contested from the 152 Assembly constituencies going for polls in the first phase on April 23, 2026.

Of the 152 Assembly constituencies, the maximum number of nominations filed this time was from Karandighi in North Dinajpur district at 23, followed by Mekhliganj in Cooch Behar district at 18, and Cooch Behar (Dakshin) in the same district at 16.

The least number of candidates who filed their nomination papers this time are from Saltora Assembly constituency in Bankura district, Chandrakona in West Midnapore district, and Egra in East Midnapore district, with six candidates in the fray from these three seats.

The polling for the second phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal will be on April 29 for the remaining 132 constituencies. The results will be declared on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting to see the variation - 23 candidates in Karandighi vs only 6 in Saltora. Shows where the political battles are most intense. North Bengal seems to be the main battleground this phase. The high number indicates a very fragmented opposition, which might not be good for a stable mandate.
D
David E
As an observer from outside India, I find it fascinating that one candidate can file multiple nominations. The ECI rules seem to allow for a lot of flexibility. The withdrawal process will be key to see the final list. Hoping for a peaceful and fair election process in West Bengal.
A
Ananya R
More candidates than in 2021! This shows increased political awareness and participation, which is a healthy sign for democracy. But I worry about the wastage of resources and potential for confusion among voters. EC needs to ensure a smooth process. All the best to Bengal! 🙏
S
Suresh O
Respectfully, while high participation is good, this many candidates often leads to vote splitting and can distort the actual will of the people. First-past-the-post system has its flaws. Maybe time to reconsider? Nevertheless, kudos to the Election Commission for managing such a massive exercise.
M
Meera T
The real test begins now with scrutiny and withdrawals. Hope all parties focus on development agendas rather than divisive politics. Bengal needs stability and growth. Let's see if the increased number of candidates translates to better choices for the public or just more noise.

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