One Phase or Multiple Phases? Internal Divide Within the Election Commission Over West Bengal Polls

National Desk : VOC

After nearly three decades, the proposal to conduct the West Bengal Assembly elections in a single phase has triggered a visible divide between the State Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office and the Election Commission of India (ECI).

While the CEO’s office in West Bengal is in favour of holding the election in one phase, the national Election Commission prefers conducting the polls in three or four phases, citing concerns over law and order, manpower, and the limited availability of central armed forces.

This difference of opinion is not merely administrative—it carries political and strategic implications.

Background: Why One-Phase Voting is Being Proposed

According to officials from the CEO’s office,

“West Bengal has conducted single-phase elections in the past. If adequate central forces are provided, there should be no difficulty in holding the polls in one phase.”

Hidden within this statement is a key advantage:

A single-day election would prevent prolonged political tension and could significantly reduce the risk of post-poll violence.

The state administration believes that shorter election timelines mean less opportunity for political clashes and intimidation.

Election Commission’s Objections

The Election Commission of India has raised three major concerns:

1️⃣ Shortage of Central Armed Forces

Deploying adequate forces at every polling booth in a single phase would be extremely difficult.

2️⃣ Law and Order Risks

With many sensitive and vulnerable polling stations, violence could increase if security coverage is stretched too thin.

3️⃣ Manpower Constraints

Managing polling personnel across the entire state on a single day poses serious logistical challenges.

From the Commission’s perspective, conducting elections in phases allows security forces to be rotated from one district to another, making control easier.

However, critics argue that:

Multiple phases prolong political tension and may actually increase opportunities for unrest.

The Bihar Question

Recently, Bihar successfully conducted its Assembly elections in a single phase.

This has sparked a crucial political question:

If Bihar can conduct elections in one phase, why not West Bengal?Why is West Bengal repeatedly labelled as a “high-risk” state? Is the decision purely administrative, or influenced by political calculations?

These questions have begun circulating in political and civil society circles.

Political Implications

Trinamool Congress leaders have earlier accused the Election Commission of extending the number of phases to allow prolonged deployment of central forces and increased central influence.

On the other hand, some sections of the BJP have also reportedly supported fewer phases, making the Commission’s cautious stand even more controversial.

This raises deeper concerns:

Why are there two opposing camps within the election machinery itself?

Is the state government’s preference truly being considered?

Who ultimately benefits from longer election schedules?

Core Conflict at a Glance

Stakeholder

Position

State CEO Office

One-phase election

Election Commission of India

Three or four phases

Political parties

Prefer fewer phases

Analytical View

Advantages of one-phase voting:

Political tension ends quickly

Reduced window for violence

Faster results and stability

Equal treatment with other states

Risks of multi-phase voting:

Prolonged political uncertainty

Extended presence of central forces

Higher chances of localized clashes

Perception of political manipulation

Thus, this decision will not only determine the election schedule but also shape the democratic environment of West Bengal.

Conclusion

While the final decision rests with the Election Commission of India, the proposal from the State Chief Electoral Officer to conduct elections in one phase has clearly exposed an internal disagreement within the election framework.

This conflict is not just administrative—it is a test of transparency, neutrality, and public trust in the electoral process.

The central question remains:

Will West Bengal be allowed to exercise its democratic rights in a single, peaceful day of voting—or will it once again face a prolonged and politically charged election process?

National Desk : Voice of Calcutta