A total of 2,926 candidates are set to contest the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal after the completion of the nomination withdrawal process, according to the Election Commission of India. The final figures show that 1,478 candidates will compete across 152 constituencies in the first phase, while 1,448 candidates will contest 142 constituencies in the second phase. With the candidate list now finalized, election authorities are moving ahead with preparations for polling.
The nomination process for the second phase concluded with filings closing on April 9, followed by scrutiny on April 10 and the final date for withdrawal on April 13. Officials stated that returning officers will now proceed to officially notify all contesting candidates through the gazette, as per election rules. The poll panel has confirmed that the entire electoral machinery is fully prepared for the next stage of the process.
To improve transparency and voter awareness, the commission has introduced measures allowing voters to access detailed information about candidates, including their educational background, criminal records, and declared assets, through the ECINet mobile application. Additionally, ballot units will feature coloured photographs of candidates along with their names and symbols in larger fonts. Polling for the two phases is scheduled to take place on April 23 and April 29, with authorities focusing on ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process across the state.
