Kolkata, 02 April (H.S.): The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal on Thursday issued the official notification for the second phase of the Assembly elections, formally initiating the electoral process for 142 constituencies across the state.

According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, April 9 has been fixed as the last date for filing nominations. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on April 10, while candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 13.

Polling for these constituencies will be held on April 29, and the entire election process is scheduled to be completed by May 6.

With the issuance of the notification, the Model Code of Conduct continues to remain in force, and all candidates as well as political parties have been directed to ensure strict compliance.

Election officials said that administrative and surveillance arrangements have been intensified to ensure free, fair and transparent polling across all 294 Assembly constituencies in the state.

The notification also reiterated the complete ban on the conduct, publication and broadcast of exit polls during the notified election period.

Officials further warned that strict action would be taken against any violations of the election guidelines during the poll period.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh