The Election Commission has announced that the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in just two phases, a major shift from the eight-phase polling seen in the 2021 elections. During its review visit to Kolkata, the Commission held consultations with multiple political parties including the Trinamool Congress, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, AAP, NPP and Forward Bloc. Many parties urged the poll panel to limit polling to one or two phases, citing concerns over prolonged election campaigns, rising costs and the risk of violence. The Commission has assured extensive deployment of Central Armed Police Forces and strict monitoring against illegal activities to ensure a peaceful and transparent election. The decision also aligns with the constitutional deadline as the current West Bengal Assembly’s term ends on May 7.