NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced that a total of 2,926 candidates remained in the fray for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections following the completion of the nomination and withdrawal process for both phases of polling.
According to an official press note, the election schedule for legislative assemblies in several states, including West Bengal, was declared on March 15, 2026, along with bye-elections in six states. The nomination process for Phase-II of the West Bengal polls, scheduled for April 29, concluded with the last date for filing nominations on April 9, followed by scrutiny on April 10 and the deadline for withdrawal on April 13.
Providing a detailed breakdown, the poll body said 1,478 candidates are contesting across 152 Assembly constituencies in Phase-I, while 1,448 candidates are in the race for 142 constituencies in Phase-II. “After the last date of withdrawal of nominations, the total number of candidates for West Bengal stands at 2,926,” the Commission said.
The Commission further stated that Returning Officers will publish the final list of contesting candidates in the Official Gazette in accordance with the provisions of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. “All election papers and proceedings relating to nominations, scrutiny and withdrawal of candidatures will be securely preserved in sealed packets under the custody of the Returning Officers,” it added.
Emphasising transparency and voter awareness, the Commission highlighted that citizens can access detailed information about candidates through the ECINet App under the “Know Your Candidate” feature. This includes data on educational qualifications, criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities, and downloadable affidavits.
The poll panel also reiterated its voter-friendly initiatives, stating that Electronic Voting Machine ballot papers will carry coloured photographs of candidates along with their names, serial numbers, and party symbols in large fonts to enable easier identification by voters.
The West Bengal Assembly elections form part of a broader electoral exercise across multiple states, with a strong focus on ensuring accessibility, transparency, and informed participation in the democratic process.
Agencies