Bengal Elections 2026: What Remains Open & What Shuts Down On April 23?

The first phase of West Bengal's Assembly elections on April 23 covers 152 constituencies. Holidays, dry days, and tailored closures aim to ease voting while maintaining essential services. Banks, schools, and offices adjust schedules, and paid leave supports voters while safeguarding public access to critical utilities and transport.

Voters in West Bengal are set to cast their ballots in the first phase of Assembly elections on April 23, across 152 constituencies. Authorities have listed detailed closures and exemptions so residents can plan daily routines while participating in polling without avoidable hurdles.

The state government has announced public holidays in all polling areas on April 23 and April 29. These holidays fall under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This means banks, many offices and other notified institutions in constituencies going to polls are officially covered.

West Bengal elections phase 1: services and holidays

A key part of the plan concerns liquor sales. The West Bengal Excise Department has called a series of 'dry days' across the state for polling and counting periods. This schedule aims to support calm voting conditions.

For the first phase on April 23, covering 152 constituencies, liquor shops will be closed from 6 pm on April 21 until polling finishes. A second block of restrictions will run from 6 pm on April 27 until voting ends for the April 29 second phase in Kolkata and South Bengal.

West Bengal elections phase 1: banks and financial services

Banks located in polling constituencies are expected to remain shut or run with reduced staff strength. Local authorities will decide the exact pattern so that employees get enough time to vote. However, online banking facilities, digital payment platforms and ATMs will continue to operate normally.

Educational institutions face a broader closure. Schools and colleges in polling areas will stay shut on the notified voting days. Some schools facing transport shortages have shifted to online classes. This keeps studies on track while respecting the election schedule and public holiday status.

West Bengal elections phase 1: schools, offices and workers' leave

Most government offices situated in constituencies voting on April 23 and April 29 will suspend regular work. Private establishments, including shops, commercial units, industrial units and tea gardens, have also been instructed to give workers paid leave so that voting is convenient and stress free.

Employees whose names are on the electoral rolls in constituencies different from their workplace are also entitled to paid leave under existing election rules. The same facility will apply if any re-poll takes place.

Essential services will remain available for residents throughout the polling period. Hospitals, pharmacies, emergency services, public transport and key utilities are expected to work without disruption. With closures clearly notified and vital services maintained, voters can participate in West Bengal’s first phase polls with better clarity and confidence.