Assembly elections in West Bengal are likely to be held in two phases next month, a poll official said on Thursday, though a final decision is yet to be taken.
The unnamed official told PTI that most political parties in the state, except the ruling Trinamool Congress, had requested one- or two-phased elections during a recent meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Kolkata. Senior officials, including those from the security forces, had also made similar recommendations.
“Conducting assembly elections in West Bengal in two phases would help curb poll-related violence, as miscreants would not have time to move between areas to create disturbances. This factor will be considered before the final decision is taken,” the officer said.
Noting that the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024 were held in a single phase, the official added that single-phase polls in West Bengal are not impossible. “But this time, it is very unlikely,” he said.
Earlier, addressing a press conference in Kolkata, CEC Gyanesh Kumar emphasised that the EC’s priority is to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in the state. He said officers have been instructed to enforce the rule of law strictly, “without fear or favour.”
“We have reviewed the law and order situation in the state, and the entire administration, led by the chief secretary, DGP, CPs, and SPs, has assured the commission that the elections will remain free of violence and intimidation,” Kumar added.
Preparations for the assembly polls are taking place amid a charged political atmosphere, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staging a dharna against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
