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West Bengal Elections Set for Two Phases in April 2026, Says BJP's Dilip Ghosh

The Election Commission of India has scheduled the West Bengal Assembly elections for two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh stated that while multi-phase polling is for security, it creates financial and logistical burdens, advocating for a single-phase system. He expressed confidence in the BJP's readiness and victory, citing months of preparation through political tours. Simultaneously, the ECI announced election dates for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry, with vote counting for all set for May 4.

Key Points: West Bengal 2026 Assembly Polls Scheduled for Two Phases

  • Two-phase polling for West Bengal in April 2026
  • BJP ready with candidate list after months of preparation
  • Ghosh advocates for single-phase polls for efficiency
  • Elections also announced for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Puducherry
  • Counting for all states on May 4
3 min read

Elections in several phases to ensure security, says BJP leader Dilip Ghosh after ECI announces Assembly poll schedule for West Bengal

ECI announces West Bengal elections for April 23 & 29, 2026. BJP's Dilip Ghosh comments on multi-phase polling for security, as TMC defends majority.

Elections in several phases to ensure security, says BJP leader Dilip Ghosh after ECI announces Assembly poll schedule for West Bengal
"It doesn't matter if the elections are conducted once or ten times; we will fight and win the election. - Dilip Ghosh"

Kolkata, March 16

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh has said that the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases to ensure safety and security and noted that the Election Commission of India is confident that the polling will be held peacefully.

"The Election Commission is confident that the elections will be conducted peacefully. The way that the Election Commission has worked seriously since the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, elections will be conducted exactly like that," Ghosh said.

Addressing reporters here, the BJP leader said that elections conducted in long phases becomes problamatic for everyone in terms of finance and workload. Further, he urged that West Bengal should create an atmosphere supporting a single-phase polling system.

"It doesn't matter if the elections are conducted once or ten times; we will fight and win the election. It is problematic for the people if the elections are held in several phases during the summer. They also cause financial problems. It is a lot of hard work. Nothing else happens in society when the elections are being conducted. It should be completed as soon as possible, but due to security purposes, the elections are conducted in several phases. West Bengal should create an atmosphere where the elections can be completed in a single phase," he said.

On the topic of BJP's list of candidates, Ghosh said, "Everything is ready, it will be announced. We have been preparing for the last six months with Sankalp Yatra and Poriborton Yatra. The BJP workers are ready."

West Bengal is headed for the 2026 Assembly elections to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, the Election Commission announced on Sunday.

The ruling Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress is expected to defend its position against the Bharatiya Janata Party, which had won 77 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. The Trinamool Congress had won 215 seats in the 294-member Assembly last time.

Meanwhile, the apex poll body also announced Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. Kerala and Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23. Voting in Puducherry will also take place on April 9. The counting of votes for all four states and Puducherry will be held on May 4, the ECI announced.

The terms of the current assemblies are set to end on different dates: May 7 in West Bengal, May 10 in Tamil Nadu, May 20 in Assam, May 23 in Kerala, and June 15 in Puducherry.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
He's right about the disruption! Multiple phases mean schools close for longer, daily wage workers suffer, and the entire state is in election mode for weeks. It's exhausting. A single phase should be the goal for future elections. 🤞
A
Aman W
Interesting that Kerala and Assam have single-phase polling. Why can't Bengal? It points to a deeper issue of law and order that needs to be addressed by the state government, not just during elections but permanently.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I appreciate the pragmatic approach. It's a balance between security and convenience. Two phases seems like a reasonable compromise to manage such a large and politically charged state.
V
Vikram M
The confidence from the BJP camp is palpable. They've been preparing for months. But let's not forget, the real work is for the EC and police forces. Their neutrality and efficiency will decide how peaceful these two phases are. Jai Hind!
K
Kriti O
While security is important, I respectfully disagree with Mr. Ghosh's framing. The financial burden and workload he mentions fall heavily on the public exchequer and government staff. Perhaps parties could also commit to less extravagant, shorter campaigns to reduce the overall strain?

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