The Election Commission of India conducted an online review and training session for District Election Officers, Superintendents of Police, and other officers in West Bengal. National Level Master Trainers focused on law enforcement, vulnerability mapping, and election preparations, including expenditure monitoring and model code of conduct enforcement. Senior officials assessed the readiness of district administration and law enforcement for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in West Bengal.
The review covered various election planning aspects such as ensuring facilities at polling stations, EVM management, logistics, staff training, seizures, law and order, voter awareness, and outreach activities. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized conducting violence-free and fair elections during his visit to West Bengal on March 9. The West Bengal Assembly polls will be held in two phases, with 152 seats going to polls on April 23 and the remaining 142 seats on April 29, with results announced on May 4.
In preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, the ECI issued guidelines to enable elderly persons, persons with disabilities, service voters, and those on election duty to vote by postal ballot. Electors above 85 years and PwDs identified in electoral rolls can cast their votes through postal ballots, which must reach the Returning Officers by 8 a.m. on the vote counting day, May 4, 2026.
