Dilip Ghosh, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has stated that the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal will take place in two phases, aimed at ensuring voter safety and security. He expressed confidence in the Election Commission of India (ECI), noting its commitment to conducting peaceful polling. Ghosh remarked, “The Election Commission is confident that the elections will be conducted peacefully. The way the Commission has worked diligently since the Special Intensive Revision exercise, elections will proceed in a similar manner.”

Concerns Over Multi-Phase Elections

During a press briefing, Ghosh raised concerns regarding the complications posed by elections held in multiple phases. He emphasized the burden it places on finances and workload, advocating for the creation of an environment conducive to single-phase polling in West Bengal. “It doesn’t matter if the elections are conducted once or ten times; we will fight and win. However, conducting elections over several phases in summer is challenging for the public. It also incurs financial strains. The extensive work involved halts regular societal functioning during this period. It is crucial to conclude elections swiftly, yet multiple phases are necessitated for security reasons,” he stated.

BJP Preparedness for the Elections

On the subject of candidate selection, Ghosh affirmed that the BJP’s preparations are in full swing, indicating that the list of candidates will be disclosed soon. He mentioned the strategic groundwork undertaken over the past six months, referring to initiatives like the Sankalp Yatra and Poriborton Yatra, which have mobilized party workers.

Election Dates and Context

The Election Commission has announced that the West Bengal Assembly elections are set for April 23 and April 29, 2026, conducted over two phases. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, aims to retain its dominance amid competition from the BJP, which secured 77 seats in the previous Assembly elections held in 2021. The TMC won 215 seats in the 294-member Assembly during that election cycle.

Additional Assembly Polls Scheduled

In addition to West Bengal, the Election Commission also disclosed the schedule for Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry. Kerala and Assam are set for polling on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will have its elections on April 23. The voting in Puducherry will coincide with that of Kerala and Assam. The counting of votes across these states and Puducherry will take place on May 4. The current assembly terms are due to end on differing dates: May 7 in West Bengal, May 10 in Tamil Nadu, May 20 in Assam, May 23 in Kerala, and June 15 in Puducherry.

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