New Delhi, April 14: The Election Commission of India on Monday said a total of 2,926 candidates remain in the fray for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended on April 13 at 3 pm.
According to the Commission’s press note, the last date for filing nominations for the first phase was April 9, while scrutiny was held on April 10.
The ECI said 1,478 candidates are contesting in West Bengal Phase I across 152 Assembly Constituencies, while 1,448 candidates are in the fray for Phase II covering 142 Assembly Constituencies.
The Commission has directed all Returning Officers (ROs) to publish the list of contesting candidates in accordance with the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
It also instructed ROs to display election papers and proceedings related to nominations, scrutiny and withdrawals at each constituency for public access.
In a voter-friendly move, the ECI said that EVM ballot papers will carry coloured photographs of candidates, along with their serial number, name and party symbol in large font, to improve convenience for voters.
The poll panel added that candidate details such as educational qualifications, criminal antecedents, assets and liabilities will also be available through the “Know Your Candidate” tab on the ECI mobile app.
The West Bengal Assembly election is part of the broader 2026 General Elections and bypoll cycle, which also includes polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, along with by-elections in six states.
