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EC Reviews Bengal Poll Prep: Focus on Sensitive Booths & 2,926 Candidates

Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The meeting focused on security at sensitive polling stations, webcasting arrangements, and enforcement activities. The Election Commission announced that a total of 2,926 candidates are contesting the polls, which will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29. Ballot papers will feature coloured photographs of candidates to aid voter identification.

Key Points: West Bengal 2026 Polls: EC Reviews Security, 2,926 Candidates in Fray

  • Review of super sensitive polling stations
  • Webcasting arrangements at booths
  • 2,926 candidates contesting in two phases
  • Ballot papers to have candidate photos
2 min read

Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti chairs high-level meeting ahead West Bengal Assembly Polls

Deputy EC Gyanesh Bharti chairs high-level meet on Bengal election preparedness. Polling in two phases, with 2,926 candidates contesting.

"Emphasis was laid on strict monitoring of seizure operations and enforcement activities - Election Commission"

Kolkata, April 15

Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti chaired a high-level meeting in the presence of Principal Secretary at the Election Commission of India, SB Joshi, to review preparations for the ensuing West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections 2026.

The meeting, on Tuesday, carried out a comprehensive review of various aspects of election preparedness across districts. Detailed discussions were held on the identification and management of super sensitive polling stations, the effective distribution of Voter Information Slips and the operational readiness of Voter Assistance Booths.

The preparedness regarding webcasting arrangements at polling stations was also reviewed. Emphasis was laid on strict monitoring of seizure operations and enforcement activities, along with an assessment of violence-related issues and preventive measures undertaken by the authorities.

Earlier on Tuesday, Earlier in the day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that a total of 2,926 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, as per an official press note.

Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.

After the final list was prepared, 1,478 candidates are contesting in Phase I across 152 constituencies, while 1,448 candidates are in the race for Phase II covering 142 constituencies.

According to a press note released on Tuesday, the last date for filing nominations for West Bengal (Phase II) was April 9. The scrutiny of nominations took place on April 10, and candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 13, 3:00 PM.

The Election Commission has directed Returning Officers to publish the final list of candidates in the official gazette. They have also been instructed to securely store all election-related documents, including nomination papers, in sealed envelopes.

Additionally, ballot papers for EVMs will feature coloured photographs of candidates along with key details such as serial numbers and symbols to help voters in easy identification.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an observer, I appreciate the detailed measures like coloured photos on ballots for easy identification. This is a voter-friendly step that many democracies could learn from. The two-phase schedule also seems well-planned to manage the scale.
P
Priyanka N
Nearly 3000 candidates! That's a lot of choice for the people of Bengal. My only concern is whether the enforcement against violence and illegal activities will be as strong on the ground as it is in these meetings. Implementation is key.
A
Aman W
The emphasis on securing nomination papers in sealed envelopes is a small but vital detail for post-election disputes. Hope the EC ensures a level playing field for all parties. Bengal needs a government that works for development, not drama.
K
Karthik V
With all due respect to the EC's efforts, I've seen these high-level meetings before every election. The real test is on polling day in the villages. Will the Voter Assistance Booths actually help the elderly and first-time voters? Hope actions match the plans.
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Meera T
As a Bengali, I just want a peaceful election. The mention of assessing "violence-related issues" is worrying but necessary. Our state's image suffers every election season. Let the people vote without fear, yaar.

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