2,926 candidates in the fray for the two-phase West Bengal Assembly election
The Election Commission of India said on 14 April 2026 that, after withdrawals, 2,926 candidates are contesting the West Bengal Assembly election: 1,478 in 152 constituencies in Phase I and 1,448 in 142 constituencies in Phase II.
Summary
The Election Commission of India said on 14 April 2026 that 2,926 candidates remain in the fray for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election after the last date of withdrawal. Phase I covers 152 assembly constituencies with 1,478 candidates, and Phase II covers 142 constituencies with 1,448 candidates. For Phase II, which goes to the polls on 29 April 2026, nominations closed on 9 April, scrutiny was on 10 April and withdrawals closed at 3 pm on 13 April. ECI had announced the schedule for the Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in 6 states on 15 March 2026. Returning Officers will publish the list of contesting candidates in the Official Gazette under the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, and EVM ballot papers will carry colour photographs of candidates.
Key facts
- Total candidates (WB)
- 2,926
- Phase I
- 152 ACs, 1,478 candidates
- Phase II
- 142 ACs, 1,448 candidates; poll 29 April 2026
- Phase II timeline
- Nominations closed 9 Apr; scrutiny 10 Apr; withdrawal 13 Apr
- Schedule announced
- 15 March 2026
- Rules
- Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 – list in Official Gazette
Practice MCQs 3 questions
How many candidates are in the fray for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election after withdrawals, as per ECI?
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Correct answer: A — 2,926
ECI gives 2,926 in total: 1,478 in Phase I and 1,448 in Phase II.
On which date does Phase II of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election go to the polls?
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Correct answer: B — 29 April 2026
ECI states that Phase II goes to the polls on 29 April 2026; 13 April was the last date of withdrawal.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election: 1. Phase I covers more assembly constituencies than Phase II. 2. Phase II has more contesting candidates than Phase I. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: 152 constituencies in Phase I against 142 in Phase II. Statement 2 is wrong: Phase II has 1,448 candidates and Phase I has 1,478.