West Bengal Election 2026 Dates Announced: Voting on April 23 & 29, Results on May 4

The schedule for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 has officially been released, setting the stage for one of India’s most closely watched political contests. The Election Commission has confirmed that voting will take place in two phases, while counting of votes will be conducted on a single day across all constituencies.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the election timeline, key figures, and what voters need to know.

Voting to Be Held in Two Phases

According to the official announcement, polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases:

• Phase 1 Voting: April 23, 2026 (152 seats)
• Phase 2 Voting: April 29, 2026 (142 seats)

This means that all 294 Assembly constituencies in the state will go to the polls over two days. Compared to previous elections, this shorter schedule is expected to streamline the voting process and reduce logistical complexities.

Result Date and Final Timeline

The counting of votes will take place simultaneously for all seats:

• Result Announcement: May 4, 2026
• Election Process Completion: May 6, 2026

The results will determine which party secures the majority mark of 148 seats required to form the government in the state.

Complete Election Schedule

Phase 1 (152 Seats)

• Notification Date: March 30, 2026
• Last Date for Nominations: April 6, 2026
• Scrutiny of Nominations: April 7, 2026
• Last Date for Withdrawal: April 9, 2026
• Voting Date: April 23, 2026

Phase 2 (142 Seats)

• Notification Date: April 2, 2026
• Last Date for Nominations: April 9, 2026
• Scrutiny of Nominations: April 10, 2026
• Last Date for Withdrawal: April 13, 2026
• Voting Date: April 29, 2026

Key Facts About West Bengal Elections 2026

• Total Seats: 294
• Majority Mark: 148
• Reserved Seats:
  • Scheduled Castes (SC): 68
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 16
• Total Voters: Over 7.04 crore

The voter base remains massive, making West Bengal one of the most politically significant states in the country.

Security Arrangements and Monitoring

To ensure peaceful and transparent elections, extensive security arrangements have been put in place:

• Around 480 companies of central forces have already been deployed
• Route marches have been conducted in multiple districts
• 100% webcasting will be implemented across polling stations
• Over 80,000 polling booths will be monitored closely

Authorities have also issued strict warnings against any form of violence, stating that officials found negligent will face strict action.

Massive Voter List Revision Raises Concerns

Ahead of the elections, a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls was conducted. During this process, reports indicate that over 60 lakh names were removed from the voter list.

This has made it even more crucial for voters to verify their registration status before polling day to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Comparison with 2021 Elections

The 2021 West Bengal elections were conducted in eight phases, making them one of the longest election processes in India. Voting stretched from March 27 to April 29, with results declared on May 2.

In contrast, the 2026 elections will be completed in just two phases, reflecting a more streamlined approach by the Election Commission.

What This Means for Voters

With a shorter election schedule and tighter security, the 2026 polls are expected to be more efficient. However, voters must take responsibility for ensuring their names are listed in the electoral roll.

Checking your voter status, understanding your polling date, and staying informed about your constituency are essential steps to participate effectively in the democratic process.

Conclusion

The announcement of the West Bengal Election 2026 schedule marks the beginning of an intense political season. With voting set for April 23 and 29 and results on May 4, all eyes will be on the state as it prepares to choose its next government.

Voters are advised to stay updated, verify their details, and exercise their right responsibly.