Kolkata, April 26, 2026 — With the crucial second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections just days away, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a high-level readiness review in Kolkata to ensure a smooth and violence-free voting process.

Senior election officials are holding comprehensive meetings with the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the Director General of Police (DGP), the Chief Secretary, and nodal officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The primary agenda of the review is to assess logistical arrangements, EVM management, and ground-level security planning.

Following a largely peaceful Phase 1, the Election Commission has reiterated a “zero tolerance” policy towards any form of voter intimidation, violence, or booth-capturing attempts. The EC is specifically reviewing the deployment strategies for the central forces in hyper-sensitive constituencies to maintain strict law and order.

The second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections is scheduled for April 29, where voters will decide the fate of candidates across the remaining 142 constituencies, primarily covering Kolkata and its adjoining districts. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.