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After Extending Liquor Ban For Bengal, Poll Body's Next Move: No Motorbikes
The Election Commission extended the liquor ban in West Bengal and announced motorbike movement restrictions ahead of the state's two-phase elections on April 23 and 29. The body outlined exemptions, security measures, and real-time monitoring, with counting slated for May 4. The announcements reflect heightened efforts to ensure peaceful, fair elections.
Why It Matters
These moves indicate unprecedented controls around Bengal's elections, aiming to prevent violence and ensure free, fair voting.
Timeline
5 Events
Pillion riding restrictions on polling day-2 onwards
April 21, 2026
From polling day-2 onward (April 29) 6 am–6 pm, no pillion riding on motorcycles shall be allowed except in medical emergencies, family functions, or other essential requirements such as dropping/picking school children; family pillion riding may be allowed during voting and for other essential needs.
Election schedule announced: two-phase polls and counting
April 21, 2026
The elections in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
Security measures and enforcement planned for Bengal polls
April 21, 2026
The Commission announced broad security arrangements, including deployment of around 2,400 CAPF companies, reshuffles of top officials (Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary, Kolkata Police Commissioner and others), and AI-enabled cameras to monitor polling stations in real time. If cameras are switched off or suspicious activity is detected, repolling can be ordered and polls canceled in case of booth capturing.
Motorbike movement curbs ahead of Bengal polling
April 21, 2026
The Election Commission restricted motorbike movement two days before the polling (April 23): no pillion riding from 6 pm to 6 am during the pre-poll period, except for emergencies and family requirements. There will be no motorbike rallies. Exemption requests can be made to local police in advance.
Liquor ban extended to 96 hours in West Bengal
April 19, 2026
The Election Commission announced that the usual 48-hour liquor ban would be doubled to 96 hours and would come into effect on Sunday, April 19, 2026.