Politics · India · 1 hr ago
West Bengal may appoint ward coordinators if civic poll stay remains
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says the state may appoint ward coordinators in Kolkata and Howrah if civic elections remain on hold.
The Calcutta High Court barred the State Election Commission from issuing a notice for Kolkata elections based on newly redrawn wards while a legal challenge is pending.
The state changed the number of wards in Kolkata from 144 to 209 and in Howrah from 50 to 68.
Opposition parties allege the redrawing was designed to benefit the ruling party, while Adhikari accuses them of obstructing elections.
Howrah has not held municipal elections since 2013, and officials have been providing services there.
Kolkata’s elected municipal board was dissolved after the BJP government came to power, and an administrator now runs the corporation.
The state plans to ask the Supreme Court to lift the stay; if it remains in place, coordinators would be appointed in both cities’ wards.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the government would appoint ward coordinators in Kolkata and Howrah if a court stay on civic elections is not lifted.
The Calcutta High Court has barred the State Election Commission from issuing notices for Kolkata civic elections based on newly redrawn wards while a delimitation challenge is pending.
Adhikari said the government would approach the Supreme Court to seek removal of the stay.
Opposition parties have alleged that the redrawing of wards was intended to give the ruling party an electoral advantage.
Elections to the Howrah Municipal Corporation have not been held since 2013.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the State government may appoint ward coordinators.
- What
- Coordinators may be appointed in Kolkata and Howrah if the stay on civic elections is not lifted.
- When
- Adhikari made the announcement on November 12, 2026.
- Where
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Howrah Municipal Corporation, West Bengal.
- Why
- The Calcutta High Court has restrained the State Election Commission from issuing election notices based on newly redrawn wards while a petition challenging the delimitation is pending.
West Bengal government
Opposition parties
Ward delimitation
West Bengal government
The government passed legislation redrawing wards in Kolkata and Howrah.
Opposition parties
Opposition parties allege the delimitation was gerrymandering to give the ruling party an advantage.
Civic elections
West Bengal government
Adhikari said the government wants elections to proceed and will ask the Supreme Court to lift the stay.
Opposition parties
Opposition parties are accused by Adhikari of obstructing the electoral process.
The State Assembly passed legislation redrawing wards in Kolkata and Howrah.
The Calcutta High Court restrained the State Election Commission from issuing notices for Kolkata civic elections based on the newly redrawn wards while a delimitation challenge is pending.
Adhikari said the government would appoint ward coordinators if the stay on civic polls is not lifted and would seek relief from the Supreme Court.
- Kolkata ward count
- Increased from 144 to 209
- Howrah ward count
- Increased from 50 to 68
- Howrah civic elections
- Not held since 2013
- High Court order
- October 6, 2026
- Government plan
- Appoint coordinators if the stay on civic polls remains
1 source
What people are saying
Those who are likely to lose their security deposits in the elections are the ones obstructing the process.