Election conch shell in Bengal, voting can be done in 6 to 7 phases, Election Commission team will visit in March itself

News India Live, Digital Desk: The election activity for 2026 has intensified in West Bengal. The Election Commission (ECI) is preparing a big blueprint for the voting for 294 assembly seats of the state. Keeping in view the law and order and security sensitivity, this time voting can be conducted in 6 to 7 phases. The report is also indicating that a high level team of the Election Commission may visit Bengal in the month of March 2026 to take stock of the ground reality.1. Election Commission’s ‘Plan Bengal’: Important visit in March (EC Team Visit) The Election Commission team will reach Kolkata and hold a meeting with the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Director General of Police (DGP) and all the District Magistrates. Review of preparations: The Commission team will discuss the voter list, status of polling stations and deployment of security forces. Identification of sensitive areas: The team can visit those areas where there were reports of violence in the previous elections, so that security Concrete arrangements can be made.2. Voting in 6-7 phases: Security first priority (Voting Phases)Conducting peaceful elections in Bengal has always been a challenge.Deployment of Central Forces: The Home Ministry has already decided to send 480 companies of Central Paramilitary Forces to the state. Of these, 240 companies are reaching Bengal from March 1 and the remaining 240 companies are reaching Bengal by March 10, 2026. Phase-wise strategy: The main objective of conducting elections in more phases is to move the security forces smoothly from one place to another, so that there is adequate security at every booth.3. Major changes in the voter list after ‘SIR’ (Voter List Update) This time the election is also in the news due to ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR). Reduction of names: According to the final voter list released on 28 February 2026, lakhs of fake or suspicious names have been removed in the state. A large number of names have been cut in districts like Bankura and Nadia alone. Political tussle: The war of words is going on between TMC and BJP on this cut of names. While BJP is calling it a step towards fair elections, TMC is calling it a conspiracy to remove legitimate voters.4. Battle of Bengal: Mamata Vs BJP (Political Clash) The 2026 election is a big test for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to retain her power. TMC’s strategy: Mamata Banerjee is in the field relying on schemes like ‘Unemployment Allowance’ and ‘Lakshmi Bhandar’. BJP’s attack: Under the leadership of Shubhendu Adhikari, BJP is cornering the government on the issues of corruption and law and order.5. When will the dates be announced? (Announcement Date) It is believed that the Election Commission can officially announce the election dates by the third or fourth week of March. The tenure of the Bengal Assembly ends on May 7, 2026, so the entire election process will be completed by the end of April.