Polling is being conducted in multiple phases, with key voting days including April 23 and April 29, 2026. The Election Commission has clarified that exit polls can only be published after 30 minutes of the final phase of voting ends. Violators of this ban may face severe penalties, including up to two years of imprisonment or fines under election laws.

During the first phase of elections, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 91.91%. Some districts saw even higher participation; Dakshin Dinajpur reported a remarkable turnout of 94.85%. Cooch Behar and Birbhum followed closely with turnouts of 94.54% and 93.70%, respectively.

Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) aim for a fourth consecutive term in office. Yet, they face strong competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The political atmosphere is tense as both parties prepare for the remaining polling days.

The Election Commission has issued advisories to media platforms and broadcasters regarding the ban on exit polls for this election cycle. This includes not only West Bengal but also Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and by-elections to eight Assembly constituencies.

As voters head to the polls, many are keenly aware of the implications of this ban. It seeks to mitigate undue influence on voter decisions by preventing premature speculation about election outcomes.

The current state of affairs reflects a commitment to uphold democratic processes amidst high engagement from the electorate. The focus remains on ensuring that every vote counts without external pressures affecting voter choices.

With polling for the remaining 142 seats scheduled for April 29, all eyes will be on how these elections unfold in West Bengal. The stakes are high as parties vie for power in one of India’s most politically significant states.

The post Exit Poll West Bengal 2026 appeared first on newscri.

“Councillor Beleghata with some hooligans gheraoed the office of CEO and shouted slogans at the dead of night,” stated the Election Commission regarding the recent protests in West Bengal.

The protests, organized by the SUC, took place outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office on Strand Road in Kolkata. Supporters of the SUC gathered in large numbers, prompting police to set up barricades to prevent them from entering the office.

As a result of the protest, Strand Road was blocked, leading to significant traffic jams. Many commuters found themselves stranded for over an hour due to the disruption.

In response to the situation, the police initiated a case following the protest and imposed Section 163 in the Strand Road area to maintain order. The Election Commission condemned the protest, labeling it as anti-social activity.

“Such anti-social activities will not be tolerated and law will take its own course,” the Election Commission added, emphasizing their stance on maintaining public order.

The protest was part of a scheduled program announced by the SUC, reflecting ongoing political tensions in the region. The CEO office shared a video of the incident on social media, highlighting the chaotic scenes that unfolded.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and further developments are expected as the police continue to address the aftermath of the protest.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions that may be taken against the protesters or additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The post ওয়েস্ট বেঙ্গল: West Bengal Protests Disrupt Traffic in Kolkata appeared first on newscri.

Gold prices have pulled back following a sharp rally, with international spot gold trading at approximately $4,650.20 per ounce, a decline of about 2.80%. This correction comes after gold reached record highs above $4,800 earlier in the week, indicating a volatile market.

In India, domestic rates have also fallen, with a drop of approximately ₹3,980 per 10 grams today. The current average for 24K gold now stands at ₹1.48 lakh per 10 grams.

To provide further context, the prices for gold in India are as follows: 24K Gold (99.9%) is priced at ₹14,897 per gram or ₹1,48,970 per 10 grams, while 22K Gold (91.6%) is at ₹13,655 per gram and ₹1,36,550 per 10 grams. The price for 18K Gold is ₹11,173 per gram and ₹1,11,730 per 10 grams.

The key driver for this pullback is the recent sharp rally that saw gold prices soar to record levels. Analysts note that there is support at $4,550 per ounce, while resistance remains at $4,800.

A weaker dollar could potentially support higher gold prices moving forward. Additionally, this sharp correction may attract dip buyers looking to capitalize on lower prices.

In India, a 3% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable on gold value, and making charges for jewelry typically range from 5% to 35%.

As the market adjusts, the Election Commission of India continues to play a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections, a cornerstone of the democratic process.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the broader implications of these price changes on the market and consumer behavior.

The post 3 april: Gold Prices and Horoscope for April 3 appeared first on newscri.

In West Bengal, the release of the supplementary voter list has been a significant development in the electoral process. Prior to this, there was considerable uncertainty surrounding the status of numerous voter registrations, with over 60 lakh names under judicial review. The expectation was that the supplementary list would clarify the eligibility of voters, which had been a point of contention for many months.

The decisive moment came when the first supplementary voter list was uploaded at around 11:55 pm on Monday. This list includes names of voters whose eligibility has been adjudicated, marking a crucial step in the electoral process. Approximately 29 lakh cases have been adjudicated by judicial officers, with 705 judicial officers engaged in this process. The final electoral roll published on February 28 recorded a total of 7.04 crore electors, highlighting the scale of the electoral landscape in West Bengal.

However, the release of the supplementary list was not without its challenges. It had been delayed multiple times, causing frustration among voters and officials alike. The highest number of pending cases was reported in Murshidabad, with 11 lakh cases awaiting resolution, followed by Malda with 8.28 lakh and South 24 Parganas with 5.22 lakh. This backlog underscored the complexities involved in the adjudication process and the need for timely resolutions.

The Election Commission has taken steps to address these issues by constituting 19 appellate tribunals to hear appeals regarding the supplementary list. This move aims to expedite the resolution of disputes and ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised. However, uncertainties remain regarding the exact number of names included or excluded from the supplementary list, as details remain unconfirmed.

Accessing the supplementary list has been made easier for the public. It can be viewed online at the Election Commission’s website and the Chief Electoral Officer’s website. Additionally, hard copies of the list will be available with District Electoral Officers (DEOs), District Magistrates (DMs), Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), and Block Development Officers (BDOs). This dual access approach is intended to facilitate transparency and allow voters to verify their registration status.

Manoj Agarwal, an official involved in the process, expressed uncertainty about the number of names that have been approved or rejected, stating, “I don’t know how many names have been approved or rejected at this moment.” He further noted, “We don’t know how many names have been deleted or how many names will be published,” reflecting the ongoing challenges in the process.

The role of law enforcement has also been highlighted, with Agarwal noting, “The role of police is good. They have taken prompt action in places where trouble erupted.” This indicates a proactive approach to maintaining order during a period of heightened scrutiny and public interest in the electoral process.

As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, the second supplementary list is expected to be released on Friday, which may further clarify the voter registration situation. The timeline for the formation and functioning of the appellate tribunals remains unclear, adding to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the electoral process in West Bengal.

The post How to Check Supplementary List of SIR in West Bengal appeared first on newscri.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal raises a critical question: how will the recent changes to the voter list affect the upcoming elections? The answer is significant, as the SIR process has led to the deletion of over 61.7 lakh names from the electoral rolls, impacting the voting landscape in the state.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to publish the first supplementary voter list under the SIR process today. This step comes after the settlement of 27 lakh pending voter records, with approximately 2 lakh names being processed daily. The urgency of this process is underscored by the establishment of 19 appeal tribunals across 23 districts, staffed by former judges of the High Court, to handle disputes related to voter registrations.

As a result of the SIR, more than 60 lakh citizens’ names are currently under adjudication, which raises concerns about voter access and representation. Notably, 47,000 names were deleted from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency alone, a seat that Mamata Banerjee won in 2021 by a margin of 58,832 votes. This constituency is particularly significant as it reflects the political landscape dominated by the Trinamool Congress, which currently holds an advantage over the BJP in both vote percentage and the number of seats.

Political leaders have expressed differing views on the implications of the SIR process. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has stated, “I will win from Bhabanipur even if by only one vote,” indicating her confidence despite the changes. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Trinamool Congress, alleging that they do not want the voter list to be rectified to retain the names of illegal immigrants and even the deceased.

The SIR process has resulted in significant deletions from the electoral rolls, which could have a profound impact on the upcoming elections. The deletions and adjustments are not merely administrative; they reflect broader political strategies and the ongoing battle between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal.

As the ECI prepares to release the updated voter list, the ramifications of these changes remain to be seen. The political climate in West Bengal is charged, and the outcome of the SIR process could influence voter turnout and party dynamics in the forthcoming elections.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the impact of the SIR on voter participation and the electoral process in West Bengal. The situation continues to evolve as stakeholders await the finalization of the voter list and the implications it will have on the political landscape.

The post Sir: Special Intensive Revision () of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal appeared first on newscri.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to publish the first supplementary voter list under the Special Initiative for Registration (SIR) process in West Bengal, marking a significant step in the electoral process. This initiative comes as 27 lakh pending voter records have been settled, with approximately 2 lakh names processed daily, ensuring that many voters are accurately represented.

Voters who have objections to the list can appeal online through the ECI Net app or visit district or sub-divisional offices for offline appeals. To facilitate this process, 19 appeal tribunals have been established across 23 districts for voters whose names have been excluded from the supplementary list.

In Surat, the voter list for the upcoming municipal elections has been made publicly available at 40 locations, including the headquarters of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). The complete voters’ list for all 30 wards has been displayed, allowing residents to verify their registration status.

For any errors found in the voter list, voters are required to submit applications for corrections or changes at the election and census department located at the SMC head office. This proactive measure aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral roll.

The first supplementary voter list for West Bengal was uploaded on the ECI and West Bengal CEO websites around 11:55 PM. As of late afternoon, 29 lakh adjudications have been completed out of the 60 lakh cases currently under judicial review, indicating a significant workload for the Election Commission.

The total number of voters in West Bengal, according to the final electoral roll published on February 28, stands at 7,04,59,284. This figure reflects a decrease from the earlier draft roll, which included 7,08,16,630 names, with 58,20,899 names deleted during the enumeration phase.

In a related development, the Election Commission has removed 73 Returning Officers (ROs), primarily Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), as part of its efforts to streamline the electoral process and address any irregularities.

The SIR exercise in West Bengal was announced on October 27 last year, when the electorate was recorded at 7,66,37,529. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the voter list.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the finalization of the supplementary list and any further changes that may occur in the coming weeks. As the municipal elections approach, the ECI’s ongoing efforts will be closely monitored by voters and stakeholders alike.

The post Voter List Updates in West Bengal and Surat appeared first on newscri.

The electoral landscape in West Bengal is undergoing significant changes as the state prepares for upcoming elections scheduled for April 23 and 29, with vote counting set for May 4. This follows the announcement of the Special Initiative for Review (SIR) exercise on October 27 of last year, aimed at addressing voter discrepancies.

Currently, the final electoral roll has over sixty lakh names pending in the adjudication list. Out of these, 29 lakh adjudications have been completed, indicating progress in resolving voter disputes. The total number of voters in the state stands at 7,04,59,284, according to the final electoral roll published on February 28.

Manoj Agarwal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, stated, “Elections are being held in two phases in West Bengal after many years.” This marks a significant reduction from the previous practice of conducting elections in seven to eight phases.

In a move to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission has removed 73 Returning Officers (ROs) in West Bengal. Agarwal emphasized, “The Election Commission is committed to conducting free and fair elections,” as the state gears up for this crucial democratic exercise.

Observers note that the first supplementary list of disputed voters may be published today, which could further impact the electoral process. The SIR exercise was initiated to streamline the electoral roll and address the discrepancies that have arisen over time.

With 294 assembly constituencies in the state, the upcoming elections are critical for both voters and political parties. The electorate before the SIR exercise was recorded at 7,66,37,529, highlighting the scale of the electoral challenge.

As the election dates approach, officials and observers are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further updates on the adjudication process and any additional changes to the electoral roll. The focus remains on ensuring a transparent and efficient electoral process in West Bengal.

The post CEO West Bengal Updates on Electoral Process appeared first on newscri.

Before the recent developments, the political landscape in West Bengal was relatively stable as the state prepared for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for April 23 and 29, with counting set for May 4. However, this stability was disrupted when the Election Commission of India ordered the transfer of several senior state bureaucrats and police officials on March 15 and 16.

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, expressed ‘deep concern and surprise’ over the timing of these transfers, which occurred shortly after the announcement of the assembly elections. The officials affected included key figures such as the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director General of Police, raising alarms about the implications for the electoral process.

Banerjee described the transfer orders as ‘arbitrary’ and lacking justification, emphasizing that the timing was particularly troubling. She criticized the removal of the Chief Secretary, stating it was executed at midnight without prior consultation with the state government, which she argued undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism.

“It undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and the established institutional relationship between the state administration and the Election Commission of India,” Banerjee stated, highlighting her concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

The transfers have intensified political confrontation in West Bengal, with Banerjee asserting, “Don’t treat Bengal as your zamindari. You may change district magistrates, SPs, or inspectors, but you cannot change the people.” This statement reflects her commitment to maintaining local governance and the rights of the state’s citizens.

Furthermore, Banerjee pointed out the gender implications of the transfer, noting, “They chose the hour of midnight to remove a Bengali woman chief secretary without consulting the state government. It shows how anti-women they are.” This comment underscores her view that the actions of the Election Commission are not only politically motivated but also reflect broader societal issues.

As the situation unfolds, the Election Commission’s decisions will likely continue to be scrutinized, particularly given the historical context where such transfers typically involve consultation with the state government. The Commission usually requests a panel of three officers from the state before making a selection for a transfer.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these transfers on the electoral process and the relationships between state and federal authorities. However, the immediate effects are clear: heightened tensions and a call for accountability from the state government.

The post Mamata Banerjee Raises Concerns Over Election Commission Transfers appeared first on newscri.

Assembly elections in India are set to take place in April 2026, with significant implications for the political landscape. Polling will occur in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23. West Bengal will conduct its polling in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all participating states is scheduled for May 4, 2026.

In total, over 17 crore people are eligible to vote in these elections, which will be facilitated by more than 2 lakh polling stations across the states and Union Territory. Nearly 25 lakh election officials will be deployed to ensure a smooth electoral process, highlighting the scale of this democratic exercise.

Breaking down the numbers, West Bengal has a 294-member Legislative Assembly, with approximately 6 crore voters expected to participate. Tamil Nadu, with a 234-member Assembly, will also see around 6 crore voters. Kerala’s 140-member Assembly will have about 3 crore voters, while Assam’s 126-member Assembly will engage around 2 crore voters. Puducherry, with its 30-member Assembly, will have approximately 9 lakh voters.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the importance of voter participation, stating, “I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this great democratic exercise and cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence.” He also announced that the model code of conduct is now applicable, setting the stage for a structured electoral environment.

The last Assembly election in West Bengal was held in 2021, conducted over eight phases, reflecting the complexity and significance of the electoral process in the state. The upcoming elections will mark a crucial moment for political parties and candidates as they prepare to engage with voters and outline their agendas.

As the election dates approach, observers are keenly watching how various political parties will mobilize their resources and strategies to appeal to the electorate. The political climate in these states is expected to evolve as candidates begin their campaigns, and voter sentiment will play a pivotal role in determining the outcomes.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final preparations and logistics for the elections, but the announcement of the dates has already sparked discussions among political analysts and party leaders alike. The upcoming assembly elections are poised to be a significant event in India’s democratic process, shaping the future governance of these states.

The post Assembly Election Dates in India Announced for 2026 appeared first on newscri.

Before the developments leading up to the West Bengal election 2026, the political landscape was characterized by a stable voter base and a relatively predictable electoral process. Historically, West Bengal has seen intense political competition, particularly between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The state assembly’s term is set to conclude on May 7, 2026, prompting a heightened focus on electoral preparations.

Recent Changes and Their Implications

However, recent events have introduced significant changes. The Union Home Ministry announced the deployment of 480 companies of Paramilitary forces in West Bengal to ensure law and order during the elections. This deployment is scheduled in two phases: 240 companies will arrive on March 1, 2026, and the remaining 240 companies will be deployed on March 10, 2026. This move underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining peace amid rising tensions.

Voter Registration Concerns

Compounding the situation, more than five lakh voters have been deleted from the final electoral roll, which was published on February 28, 2026. Additionally, around 60 lakh voters have been placed in the ‘Under Adjudication’ list, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The reasons behind the deletion of these voters remain unclear, and the timeline for the verification of those under adjudication is unspecified. Details remain unconfirmed.

Impact on Political Parties

The direct effects of these changes are significant for the political parties involved. The TMC, which has been in power for over a decade, faces challenges in mobilizing its traditional voter base amidst these alterations. Meanwhile, the BJP, which has been gaining ground in the state, may see an opportunity to capitalize on the discontent surrounding voter deletions and security concerns.

Expert Perspectives

Political analysts suggest that the deployment of paramilitary forces indicates a recognition of potential unrest during the electoral process. Experts warn that the deletion of voters could lead to allegations of disenfranchisement, which may further polarize the electorate. The Election Commission of India is currently conducting final assessments in West Bengal, which will be crucial in determining the fairness of the upcoming elections.

Looking Ahead

As the West Bengal election 2026 approaches, the interplay between security measures and voter registration issues will likely shape the campaign strategies of all parties involved. The TMC and BJP will need to navigate these challenges carefully to secure their positions in the assembly. The upcoming months will be critical as the state prepares for what promises to be a contentious electoral battle.

In summary, the West Bengal election 2026 is poised to be influenced by significant changes in voter registration and heightened security measures. The implications of these developments will unfold as the election date approaches, with all eyes on how the political parties respond to this evolving landscape.

The post West Bengal Election 2026: A Shift in the Political Landscape appeared first on newscri.