The countdown for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 has begun. Following the completion of the SIR process, reports suggest that the official notification might be issued as early as March 2. While the State Election Commission initially hinted at a single-phase election, the latest updates indicate that the polls are likely to be conducted in three phases across the state.

As per sources, the eight districts of North Bengal are expected to vote in a single phase. South Bengal, however, might see a two-phase split. The first phase could cover Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, and the two Parganas, while the remaining southern districts, including Midnapore and Bankura, may vote in the next phase. Security remains the top priority, with the commission keeping a hawk-eye on sensitive districts like Murshidabad, Birbhum, Malda, Cooch Behar, and South 24 Parganas.

The final decision on the number of phases rests with the Election Commission of India, depending on the availability of central paramilitary forces. The State’s Chief Electoral Officer is scheduled to meet the full bench of the Commission to finalize these logistics. If the security green signal is received, West Bengal will head for a high-stakes three-phase battle starting this March.