ECI Likely to Declare West Bengal Assembly Poll Dates March 16
ECI likely to announce West Bengal poll dates; two-phase voting expected.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections on March 16, officials said, amid speculation over the possible imposition of President’s rule in the state. The announcement comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ‘Paribartan Yatra’ at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground on March 14.
According to ECI sources, the Assembly polls in West Bengal are likely to be held in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for either the end of the second week or the third week of April. On the same day, the Commission may also announce dates for Assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
Political parties in West Bengal, including the ruling Trinamool Congress, BJP, CPI(M), and Congress, have requested the ECI to conduct the elections in one or two phases only. Officials said a two-phase election would help curb poll-related violence, as miscreants would have less time to move between constituencies to create disturbances.
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Election preparations are further complicated by unresolved voter issues. Over 60 lakh voters in the state are categorized as ‘under adjudication,’ awaiting judicial clearance to retain their voting rights. So far, only 10 lakh cases have been resolved, with 3.5–4 lakh voters’ rights rejected. Officials expressed concerns that clearing the remaining 50 lakh cases before the withdrawal of nominations could be challenging for around 800 judicial officers.
The Supreme Court recently directed the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to form an appellate tribunal of retired judges to handle challenges from voters whose names are excluded following the post-Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This process could further delay the publication of the supplementary voter list.
Law and order during the elections remains a key concern. Senior West Bengal government officials have assured the ECI that strict vigilance will be maintained during the pre-poll and post-poll periods. Political observers note that the state could face Article 356 imposition if a new government is not formed by the May 7 deadline.
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