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West Bengal Assembly Elections: Two-Phase Polling on April 23 & 29 Announced

The Election Commission of India has issued the formal notification for the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled for April 23 and 29. The state finance department has declared holidays on both polling days for employees in the respective constituencies to facilitate voting. The polling days will also be 'dry days' with a complete ban on liquor sales to ensure a peaceful election process. This decision aligns with ECI instructions to boost voter participation and ensure free and fair elections.

Key Points: West Bengal Assembly Polls: Two-Phase Election Schedule

  • Two-phase polling on April 23 & 29
  • Holidays declared for voters
  • Sale of liquor banned on polling days
  • Legal action for non-compliance
  • Single-phase polls in three other states
2 min read

ECI issues notification for two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal

ECI issues notification for West Bengal's two-phase Assembly elections on April 23 & 29, with holidays and dry days declared for polling.

"Employees of all government offices... will be given leave. - State Finance Department"

Kolkata, March 30

The Election Commission of India on Monday issued a notification for the two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled on April 23 and April 29.

In the notification, it has been said that the polling will start from 7 a.m. on both polling days. In the first phase, there will be polling for 152 Assembly constituencies, while in the second phase, there will be polling for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies.

On March 15, the ECI announced the schedule for the West Bengal Assembly elections and the notification for the polling was issued on Monday.

While there will be two-phase polling in West Bengal, in the three other poll-bound states, namely Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, there will be single-phase polling. There will be single-phase polling also for the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the West Bengal finance department also issued a notification announcing holidays on both the polling days.

As per the state finance department notification, since the elections will be held in two phases, with the first phase on April 23 and the second phase on April 29, during these days, employees of all government offices, educational institutions, commercial establishments, and industrial units in the respective Assembly areas will be given leave. This order will come into effect under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The state finance department has clearly stated that no organisation or employer should prevent employees from exercising their voting rights. Even those who are working elsewhere but are voters in the relevant area should be allowed to vote.

It is also mentioned that legal action will be taken if the instructions are not followed.

In addition, the voting days have been declared as 'dry days', meaning that the sale of liquor will be completely banned on the polling days, so that the election process can be completed peacefully.

According to the administration, this step will help increase voter participation and ensure free and fair elections. It is learnt that the decision to declare this holiday has been taken in compliance with the instructions of the ECI.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Two-phase polling makes sense for a large and politically vibrant state like West Bengal. It allows for better security deployment and management. However, I hope the gap between phases doesn't lead to prolonged periods of political tension and violence, which we've seen in the past.
A
Aman W
The notification for holidays is a welcome move. Many daily wage workers and private employees often hesitate to take leave to vote. This mandatory order protects their right. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the contrast with Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu having single-phase polls. It highlights the unique logistical and security challenges in West Bengal. The ECI's approach seems tailored, which is good.
K
Karthik V
While the measures are commendable, the real test is implementation on the ground. Will the holiday rule be enforced strictly in all private establishments? Past experience in some states shows lax compliance. The ECI and state machinery must ensure strict monitoring.
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Nidhi U
As a Bengali living outside the state, I appreciate the clarity that employees working elsewhere but registered as voters in Bengal must be allowed to go and vote. This is our fundamental duty. Hope everyone exercises their franchise wisely.

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