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West Bengal Polls Slashed to Two Phases After Major Security Evaluation

The Chief Electoral Officer stated that extensive evaluation and consultations with political parties led to the decision to hold the West Bengal Assembly elections in just two phases, a significant reduction. The Election Commission has committed to free and fair polls, with Central Armed Police Forces taking full responsibility for booth security and documentation. Polling is scheduled for April 23 and 29, with vote counting on May 4, setting up a major contest between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress. The BJP has released its first list of 144 candidates, featuring prominent contests including Suvendu Adhikari.

Key Points: West Bengal Assembly Elections Set for Two Phases in April

  • Major reduction from 7-8 phases
  • ECI consulted all political parties
  • CAPF responsible for booth security
  • High-stakes BJP vs TMC contest
  • First BJP candidate list released
2 min read

"Lot of evaluation took place": West Bengal CEO on two-phase Assembly polls

Election Commission announces two-phase West Bengal polls after consultations. Voting on April 23 & 29, counting May 4. BJP releases first candidate list.

"A lot of evaluation took place... everyone said the same thing: that elections should be held in 1 or 2 phases - Manoj Kumar Agarwal"

Kolkata, March 16

The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, on Monday said that the Election Commission consulted political parties before deciding on a two-phase schedule for this year's West Bengal elections.

The elections will be held in two phases, a major reduction from the seven to eight phases in previous years.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, CEO Agarwal said, "Elections are being held in two phases in West Bengal after many years. A lot of evaluation took place, the ECI held meetings with all political parties, and everyone said the same thing: that elections should be held in 1 or 2 phases in West Bengal... The ECI analysed this and announced elections in 2 phases... Whereas previously elections used to be held in 7-8 phases, this time they are being held in 2 phases."

Agarwal said the Election Commission is committed to holding free and fair elections, adding that booth security will be the full responsibility of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and that all activities will be documented.

"The Election Commission is committed to conducting free and fair elections... Booth dominance is the responsibility of the CAPF; the full responsibility will be on the CAPF... Everything will be documented," he said.

Polling in the State is set to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the counting of votes for both phases to be conducted on May 4, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari will contest from Nandigram, where he defeated Mamata Banerjee in 2021, and from Bhabanipur, the constituency currently represented by the TMC chief, as per the first list of 144 candidates released by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) today for the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections.

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul will contest from Asansol Dakshin, actor-turned-politician Rudranil Ghosh is set to run from Shibpur, and BJP MLA Bankim Chandra Ghosh will contest from Chakdaha.

West Bengal has 294 Assembly seats, and the party is expected to announce the remaining candidates soon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move by ECI. Fewer phases mean less strain on security forces and administration. But the real test is on the ground - will CAPF be able to ensure no booth capturing or intimidation? That's what we common people want to see.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the reduction in phases, I'm skeptical about the "consultation with all parties" claim. Often, the ruling party has undue influence. I hope the documentation of everything is transparent and accessible to the public.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the focus on Nandigram again. The Suvendu vs Mamata rematch will be the main event. Bengal politics is never dull! Hoping for a peaceful and fair contest where development is the main issue.
V
Vikram M
Finally some sensible decision-making. The previous 8-phase elections felt endless and were a huge logistical burden. Two phases is manageable. Now, please ensure the voter list is accurate and EVMs are fully functional.
K
Kavya N
The commitment to document everything is key. In Bengal, post-poll allegations fly thick and fast. Having proper records will help settle disputes. As a citizen, my only request is for a violence-free election. Let people vote without fear.

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