The Election Commission of India (ECI) is all set to sound the poll bugle for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections. According to sources, the commission is likely to announce the full schedule this afternoon during a high-profile press conference at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi. The biggest speculation in political circles is whether the commission will stick to a multi-phase election or reduce the number of phases to expedite the polling process. With the security landscape being a prime concern, the ECI’s decision will be a crucial factor for all political stakeholders.

Just hours before the anticipated announcement, North Kolkata turned into a battlefield on Saturday. Clashes erupted at Girish Park between TMC and BJP supporters when the latter were heading towards PM Narendra Modi’s mega rally. Allegations were raised that BJP workers attacked and vandalized the residence of State Minister Shashi Panja. The violence left several people injured, including BJP leader Tamoghna Ghosh and multiple police personnel who were trying to control the situation.

Following the unrest, the Kolkata Police (Lalbazar) launched a massive crackdown, arresting four individuals so far, most of whom are reported to be BJP workers. The police are scanning through CCTV footage of the Girish Park crossing to identify other miscreants involved in the stone-pelting and vandalism. As political tension reaches its peak, the ECI’s announcement today is expected to be followed by a heavy deployment of central paramilitary forces to prevent further escalations across the state.