West Bengal Election 2026: First Phase Voting on April 23, Constituencies and Key Details The West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections in 2026 are set to unfold in two distinct phases, with the first round of voting scheduled for April 23 and the second phase on April 29. This marks a significant departure from previous election cycles, as the state will see only two phases instead of the usual eight. A total of 294 assembly constituencies will be contested across these two phases, a decision that has drawn attention for its efficiency and logistical implications. The first phase will cover 152 constituencies spread across 16 districts, including parts of Uttar Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bhangar, Bankura, and Birbhum. These regions encompass the northern, central, and eastern parts of the state, with voting taking place in areas such as Uttar Dinajpur’s 9 constituencies, South Dinajpur’s 6, and Malda’s 12. The second phase will cover 142 constituencies in the remaining 7 districts, including parts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata, and South 24 Parganas. This election format is notable for its brevity, as it contrasts sharply with the 2021 elections, which spanned eight phases. Election experts attribute the change to administrative and security considerations, including the need for streamlined logistics and enhanced voter management. The decision to reduce the number of phases reflects a shift toward a more centralized approach to polling, aiming to expedite the process while maintaining electoral integrity. A key development is the early deployment of central security forces, which arrived in the state 15 days ahead of the voting schedule.#kolkata #west_bengal #election_commission #west_bengal_legislative_assembly #central_security_forces
