In a potential shift for West Bengal’s electoral history, the Election Commission of India is considering conducting the upcoming assembly elections in just two phases. This decision, aimed at curbing poll-related violence, follows recent consultations held by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar with major political parties.

Opposition parties—BJP, Left, and Congress—had collectively demanded a reduction in the number of phases, a view reportedly supported by security agencies. An EC official noted that reducing the phases would prevent anti-social elements from moving between districts to incite unrest. While the official dismissed a single-phase election as “highly unlikely” due to current law and order concerns, they emphasized that the commission is committed to a peaceful process. Final approval is expected after a high-level review in New Delhi.