Kolkata, March 30: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notification for the two-phase assembly elections in West Bengal, scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
The notification states that voting will commence at 7 AM on both days. The first phase will cover 152 assembly seats, while the second phase will include the remaining 142 seats.
On March 15, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the West Bengal assembly elections, and the voting notification was released on Monday.
Voting in West Bengal will occur in two phases, unlike the other three states—Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu—where voting will take place in a single phase. The Union Territory of Puducherry will also conduct voting in one phase.
Additionally, on Monday, the West Bengal Finance Department issued a notification declaring a holiday on both voting days.
According to the state finance department’s notification, since the elections will be held in two phases—on April 23 and April 29—all government offices, educational institutions, commercial establishments, and industrial units in the respective assembly areas will grant leave to employees on these days. This order will be enforced under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The state finance department has made it clear that no organization or employer can prevent employees from exercising their right to vote. Even those working elsewhere but registered as voters in the relevant areas must be allowed to vote.
It has also been emphasized that legal action will be taken against those who do not comply with these directives.
Furthermore, the voting days have been declared ‘Dry Days,’ meaning the sale of alcohol will be completely prohibited to ensure a peaceful election process.
According to the administration, this measure aims to enhance voter participation and ensure free and fair elections. The decision to declare this holiday has been made in compliance with the Election Commission’s directives.
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