The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the assembly election schedule for West Bengal, introducing a massive change in the voting process. Breaking the trend of multiple phases seen over the last two decades, the state will now head to the polls in just two phases for all 294 seats.

Phase 1 will cover 152 seats across 16 districts on April 23, while Phase 2 will cover the remaining 142 seats across 7 districts on April 29. The results will be declared on Monday, May 4. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that the decision was made after a detailed review to ensure convenience for all stakeholders.

Historically, West Bengal saw 8 phases in 2021, and the 2024 Lok Sabha results indicated a strong contest with the TMC leading in 192 assembly segments, the BJP in 90, Congress in 11, and the Left in 1. The reduction to only 2 phases is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape.