West Bengal Election Assembly 2026: Schools, colleges & offices closed; check the latest update here

West Bengal is preparing for the first phase of its Assembly elections on April 23, covering 152 constituencies. As polling day nears, residents are curious about which services will remain open and functional.

West Bengal Dry Day Dates & Election Phases

The West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases across all 294 constituencies.

Phase 1: Voting will take place on April 23 in 152 constituencies across 16 districts. In these areas, liquor sales will be prohibited from April 21 to April 23 (until 6 PM).


Phase 2: Polling will be held in 142 constituencies across seven districts. These regions will observe dry days from April 27 to April 29 (until 6 PM), during which the sale of alcohol will be restricted.

District-Wise List of Closures Announced

Phase 1 (16 districts, 152 constituencies): Districts where voting will be held in Phase 1 include: Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, and Jhargram.

The state government has announced a public holiday in polling areas on April 23 and April 29 to enable voters to cast their ballots conveniently without any disruption.

Schools and colleges will remain closed on polling days. Banks in the affected areas will also be shut to support smooth voting. However, essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, emergency services, public transport, and utilities will operate as usual without any interruption.

Tamil Nadu Dry Day Rule

Similar restrictions will be enforced in Tamil Nadu, starting 48 hours before polling on April 23, including any re-poll dates if applicable.