The West Bengal Legislative Assembly election will be held in two phases across the state. Elections will cover all 294 विधानसभा constituencies.
🗳️ Polling Dates
Phase 1: 23 April 2026 – Darjeeling Hills & most of North Bengal will vote
Phase 2: 29 April 2026 – Second Phase Polling for remaining constituencies
Coverage:
Phase 1: 152 constituencies
Phase 2: 142 constituencies
📅 Key Election Timeline
Notification Dates:
Phase 1: 30 March 2026
Phase 2: 2 April 2026
Last Date for Nomination:
Phase 1: 6 April 2026
Phase 2: 9 April 2026
Scrutiny of Nominations:
Phase 1: 7 April 2026
Phase 2: 10 April 2026
Withdrawal Deadline:
Phase 1: 9 April 2026
Phase 2: 13 April 2026
Counting of Votes: 4 May 2026
Completion of Process: 6 May 2026
⚖️ Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
The Model Code of Conduct is now in force across West Bengal.
Applies to:
State government – Restrictions on announcements and use of public resources
Political parties and candidates – campaign conduct and activities
Public officials and administration – Neutrality and compliance with election rules
Key restrictions:
No new policy announcements or project launches
No use of official machinery for campaigning
Strict monitoring of political activity
🌄 Hill Region Note (Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong)
North Bengal constituencies (including hill districts) fall within the first phase of the polling structure. Administrative movement and security deployment are expected to increase during polling weeks.
🚧 Travel & Border Advisory
Silence Period (48 hours before polling):
No campaigning allowed during this period
Public gatherings and political events restricted
Border Restrictions:
International borders will be sealed:
48 hours before polling
48 hours after polling
Impact:
Movement near border areas may be restricted
Increased security checks on highways and entry points
Travel delays possible, especially during polling days
📊 Election Scale
Total seats: 294
Majority mark: 148 seats
Voting across two phases instead of multiple phases (as in 2021)
📌 Summary
Polling: 23 April & 29 April 2026
Results: 4 May 2026
MCC: Already in effect
Borders: Restricted 48 hrs before & after polling
This is a developing election period. Expect administrative slowdowns, increased security, and travel advisories across the hills during polling dates.