With Phase II polling in West Bengal set to conclude on April 29, attention will turn to the counting of votes scheduled for May 4, 2026.
The Election Commission of India on March 15, 2026 announced the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.
Polling in West Bengal is being held in two phases, with Phase I conducted on April 23, 2026 and Phase II scheduled for April 29, 2026. Voting in Tamil Nadu also took place on April 23.
Also Read: West Bengal Elections 2026 Phase 2: How to find your booth, polling time and key guidelines
Accordingly, dry days will be declared under relevant state and Union Territory laws for the 48-hour period ending with polling hours in areas where Assembly elections are being held. This will also apply in the event of a re-poll.
Authorities will also enforce limits on storage of liquor by individuals during this period, with strict implementation of excise laws governing possession in unlicensed premises.
The Election Commission of India on March 15, 2026 announced the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.
Polling in West Bengal is being held in two phases, with Phase I conducted on April 23, 2026 and Phase II scheduled for April 29, 2026. Voting in Tamil Nadu also took place on April 23.
Also Read: West Bengal Elections 2026 Phase 2: How to find your booth, polling time and key guidelines
Counting date for West Bengal results 2026
Counting of votes for all polling states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, will take place on May 4, 2026.Dry day provisions during polling period
Under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the sale, distribution or serving of liquor is prohibited within a polling area during the 48 hours leading up to the conclusion of polling.Accordingly, dry days will be declared under relevant state and Union Territory laws for the 48-hour period ending with polling hours in areas where Assembly elections are being held. This will also apply in the event of a re-poll.
Restrictions on sale and storage of liquor
Liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other establishments will not be allowed to sell or serve liquor on the notified days. This restriction will apply across all categories of licensed establishments, including star hotels and clubs.Authorities will also enforce limits on storage of liquor by individuals during this period, with strict implementation of excise laws governing possession in unlicensed premises.
