A total of 1,586 candidates have submitted nomination papers from 152 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal set for polling in the initial phase on April 23. The last day for nominations was Monday, with candidates allowed to file multiple forms, resulting in 2,304 nomination forms received by the Commission.
Candidates can file more than one nomination as well as from multiple constituencies as per the Election Commission of India rules. The number of candidates in the race may decrease after the withdrawal of nomination papers, scheduled by April 9. Scrutiny of the nominations for the first phase will take place during the day.
In the previous Assembly elections in 2021, 1,062 candidates contested from the same 152 Assembly constituencies heading for polls on April 23, 2026. Among these constituencies, Karandighi in North Dinajpur district saw the highest number of nominations at 23, followed by Mekhliganj in Cooch Behar district at 18, and Cooch Behar (Dakshin) with 16 nominations.
Conversely, the least number of candidates filed nominations from Saltora Assembly constituency in Bankura district, Chandrakona in West Midnapore district, and Egra in East Midnapore district, each with six candidates vying for these seats. The second phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29 for the remaining 132 constituencies, with results to be announced on May 4.
