As West Bengal gears up for the high-stakes 2026 Assembly Elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a crucial notification for voters. To ensure maximum turnout, the commission has mandated a Paid Holiday for all employees on the days of polling.

Eligibility for Leave: According to the ECI, employees of any company, industrial undertaking, or private firm who are registered voters will be entitled to a paid holiday. This rule applies even if an employee is working in a different constituency from where they are registered to vote. Furthermore, the commission clarified that daily wagers and contractual workers must also receive this benefit, ensuring no loss of wages for exercising their democratic right.

Election Key Dates: Departing from the previous 8-phase schedule, Bengal will witness polling in only two phases this time:

• Phase 1: April 23, 2026 (Covering North Bengal, Rarh Bengal, and Jangal Mahal).
• Phase 2: April 29, 2026.
• Results: May 4, 2026.

The entire electoral process is directed to be completed by May 6, 2026.