EC Chairs meeting with West Bengal political representatives; Max Two-phase election sought

March 9, 2026

A key pre-poll meeting on March 9, 2026, took place where India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and two Election Commissioners consulted with West Bengal’s national and state political parties in Kolkata to review election preparedness for the 2026 Assembly polls.

These routine consultations, part of a three-day ECI visit starting March 8, focus on logistics, security, and code of conduct to ensure fair elections in a state with a history of high-stakes contests, including the TMC’s 2021 victory amid violence allegations.

CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar, EC Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and EC Dr. Vivek Joshi, along with CEO West Bengal and senior officials of the Commission, hold meetings with recognised National and State political parties of West Bengal in Kolkata today.#WestBengalAssemblyElections2026… pic.twitter.com/URddRkgMG7

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 9, 2026

Participating parties included the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), BJP, CPI(M), Congress, AAP, NPP, Forward Bloc, and others. A broad range of election-related issues were discussed, including logistics, security arrangements, and measures to ensure peaceful polling.

Two-phase maximum elections sought in Bengal

Several parties strongly advocated for holding the elections in a maximum of two phases (with some pushing for a single phase), arguing it would help streamline the process and enhance manageability.

Political representatives also assured full cooperation for fair and peaceful elections, while urging the ECI to take strict action against anti-social elements, prevent voter intimidation, deploy adequate Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and curb potential misuse of crude bombs, illegal firearms, money power, or muscle power.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the Commission’s zero tolerance for violence, stating: “The Election Commission has zero tolerance towards violence. We will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring impartial, transparent and peaceful elections.”

He reaffirmed that polls would be conducted strictly as per law, with all steps taken for free, fair, and transparent voting. He also noted that the recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was handled transparently and unbiasedly, and that Forms 6, 7, and 8 remain available for any inclusion, deletion, or correction in voter lists.