2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election: Difference between revisions

 

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}

| next_year = 2026

| election_date = 27 March &ndash; 29 April 2021 (292 seats)<br> 30 September 2021 (2 remaining seats)

| leaders_seat1 = [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram]]<ref name=210Nandigram>{{cite web |title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25210.htm?ac=210|access-date=2021-05-02|website=results.eci.gov.in|archive-date=3 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503202328/https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25210.htm?ac=210|url-status=dead}}</ref><br>([[Sub judice]], <small>won [[By-election]] at [[Bhabanipur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bhabanipur]]<ref name=Constituencywise>{{cite web |title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultByeOct2021/ConstituencywiseS25159.htm?ac=159|access-date=3 October 2021|website=results.eci.gov.in|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003142939/https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultByeOct2021/ConstituencywiseS25159.htm?ac=159|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Roundwise>{{cite web |title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultByeOct2021/RoundwiseS25159.htm?ac=159|access-date=3 October 2021|website=results.eci.gov.in|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003174241/https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultByeOct2021/RoundwiseS25159.htm?ac=159|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=partywise>{{cite web |title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultByeOct2021/partywiseresult-S25.htm?st=S25|access-date=3 October 2021|website=results.eci.gov.in|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003174612/https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultByeOct2021/partywiseresult-S25.htm?st=S25|url-status=live}}</ref></small>)

| seat_change2 = {{increase}} 74

| image3 = <!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Surjya Kanta Mishra.jpg|100x100px]] -->

| image4 = [[File:The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury addressing at the presentation of the National Awards for Outstanding Service in Railways, in Mumbai on April 16, 2013.jpg|100x100px]]

| swing4 = {{down}}9.22%

The '''2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election''' for [[List of constituencies of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly|292 of the 294 constituencies]] in [[West Bengal]] was held between 27 March to 29 April 2021 in eight phases.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bjp-preparing-blueprint-for-2021-west-bengal-polls/articleshow/69710607.cms|title =BJP preparing blueprint for 2021 West Bengal polls|newspaper = Economic Times|date= 9 June 2019}}</ref> Voting for the two remaining constituencies was delayed to 30 September 2021.<ref name=bypoll>{{cite web |title=EC announces bypoll schedule for 3 West Bengal seats, relief for Mamata Banerjee {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/election-commission-of-india-to-hold-by-election-in-bhabanipur-assembly-constituency-on-september-30/articleshow/85921418.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-04|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

The incumbent [[All India Trinamool Congress]] government led by [[Mamata Banerjee]] won the election by a large margin, despite [[opinion poll]]s generally predicting a close race against the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]], which became the official opposition with 77 seats. The [[Sanjukta Morcha]] won one seat, and the [[Indian National Congress]] and the [[Left Front (West Bengal)|leftist parties]] did not win any seats. Banerjee contested [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram]], but lost to [[Suvendu Adhikari]], whose victory remains [[2021 Nandigram controversy|controversial]].

Outlined in Article 168 of the [[Constitution of India]], the West Bengal Legislative Assembly is the only house of the [[Unicameralism|unicameral legislature]] of [[West Bengal]], not a permanent body, and subject to [[Dissolution (politics)|dissolution]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Article 168 in The Constitution Of India 1949|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1555093/|access-date=13 October 2020|website=Indiankanoon.org}}</ref> The assembly term lasts for five years unless it is dissolved earlier. [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Members of the Legislative Assembly]] are directly elected by the people, and the tenure of the Sixteenth West Bengal Legislative Assembly was scheduled to end on 30 May 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Terms of the Houses|url=https://eci.gov.in/elections/term-of-houses/|access-date=2021-03-05|website=Election Commission of India}}</ref>

Since the [[by-election]]s held for the [[Kanthi Dakshin (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Contai South seat]] in 2017, it became evident that the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) had overtaken the [[Left Front (West Bengal)|Left Front]] as the primary opposition party in the state.<ref name="Romita Datta"/> According to various [[Political science|political analysts]], the shifting of the Left Front and other opposition voters towards the BJP caused the party's vote share to significantly increase.<ref>{{cite web |last=MN|first=Parth|date=31 March 2021|title=Why ex-communists are joining Modi's BJP in India's West Bengal|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/31/why-ex-communists-are-joining-modis-bjp-in-indias-west-bengal|access-date=2021-04-02|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sahay|first=Mohan|date=10 March 2021|title=View: Left helping BJP by default in West Bengal|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/view-left-helping-bjp-by-default-in-west-bengal/articleshow/81432277.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-04-02}}</ref> In spite of widespread violence, the BJP emerged as the second largest party in the [[2018 West Bengal local elections|2018 elections]] to the state [[Panchayati raj|panchayats]] mainly due to the shifting of the Left Front's voter base.

In the [[2019 Indian general election in West Bengal|2019 general elections]], the BJP increased its number of [[Lok Sabha]] seats from 2 to 18, and took 40% of the vote share, an increase from 11% in the 2016 elections. [[Trinamool Congress]] (TMC) was reduced from 34 to 22 seats, [[Indian National Congress]] (INC) was reduced from 4 to 2 seats, and the Left Front did not win any seats.<ref>{{cite news |title=Election results 2019 West Bengal: TMC winds 22 seats, faces stiff battle from BJP |newspaper=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/west-bengal-wb-lok-sabha-election-result-2019-live-1532372-2019-05-23}}</ref> Public anger towards the alleged corruption and hooliganism of a section of TMC [[Cadre (politics)|cadres]] in rural areas during the 2018 panchayat elections, religious polarisation by BJP fueled by resentment of a section of [[Bengali Hindus|Bengali Hindu]] society towards [[Mamata Banerjee]]'s alleged tactics of Muslim appeasement,<ref>{{cite web |last=ভট্টাচার্য|first=দেবাশিস|title=এটা যে অশনি সঙ্কেত, মমতা কি মানবেন?|url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/general-election-results-2019-will-mamata-banerjee-accept-this-result-as-a-warning-for-tmc-1.996629|access-date=2021-09-28|website=www.anandabazar.com|language=bn}}</ref> and large scale support of the [[Rajbongshi people|Rajbongshi]] and [[Matua Mahasangha|Matua]] communities for [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|granting Indian citizenship to exclusively non-Muslim Bangladeshi immigrants]]<ref>{{cite web |last=মৈত্র|first=সীমাম্ত|title=তৃণমূল থেকে মুখ ফেরাল মতুয়া, বনগাঁয় জয়ী শান্তনু|url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/24-parganas/general-election-results-2019-shantanu-tahkur-won-in-bongaon-1.996527|access-date=2021-09-28|website=www.anandabazar.com|language=bn}}</ref> have been cited as important reasons behind the rise of BJP in West Bengal alongside the decline of Left Front.

With [[Narendra Modi]] becoming the only non-Congress [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister]] to remain in power for two consecutive terms (amounting to ten years) without depending on the support of the [[National Democratic Alliance]], and the BJP fulfilling the wish of its founder [[Syama Prasad Mukherjee|Shyamaprasad Mukherjee]]{{efn|name=f|[[Syama Prasad Mukherjee|Shyamaprasad Mukherjee]] was initially a member of the [[Hindu Mahasabha]]. After the Mahasabha became unpopular due to its involvement in the [[assassination of Mahatma Gandhi]], [[Syama Prasad Mukherjee]] formed a new Hindu right-wing party called [[Bharatiya Jana Sangh]] (BJS). During the [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency era]], [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] merged the BJS with other parties to form the [[Janata Party]]. Following disagreements with [[Morarji Desai]] over his [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) membership, Vajpayee broke away from the Janata Party and re-created the BJS under the name of BJP. Although Vajpayee is the legal founder of BJP, the party sees itself as a continuation of BJS and thus considers Mukherjee to be the founder of BJP.}} by [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Ek desh mein do vidhan nahi chalenge: BJP realises founder Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's dream|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/ek-desk-mein-do-vidhan-nahi-chaleinge-bjp-realises-founder-shyama-prasad-mukherjee-dream-1577345-2019-08-05|access-date=2021-09-28|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> and long standing promise of resolving the [[Ayodhya dispute]] in favour of [[Hindus]], the party considered the formation of a BJP-led [[Government of West Bengal|state government in West Bengal]] for the first time as a means of paying homage to [[Syama Prasad Mukherjee]], who hailed from there. A BJP victory in West Bengal would have also demoralised Mamata Banerjee's attempts of creating a non-BJP non-Congress alliance of regional parties that might play an important role in the upcoming general elections.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-05-03|title=Explained: Bengal defeat robs BJP of planks, boosts Mamata, federal pushback|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/bengal-defeat-robs-bjp-of-planks-boosts-mamata-federal-pushback-7299659/|access-date=2021-09-28|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Opposition parties likely to form Federal Front following poll results|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/nation/politics/050521/oppn-parties-likely-to-form-federal-front-following-poll-results.html|access-date=2021-09-28|website=www.deccanchronicle.com}}</ref>

BJP increased their seats in the assembly from 3 to 53 when the [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly]] was dissolved through defections from TMC, INC, and Left Front leaders, and by-elections from [[2016–21 West Bengal Legislative Assembly by-elections|2016 to 2021]]. A prominent defector in December 2020 was [[Suvendu Adhikari]],<ref name=1751135./> who was a long-time associate of Mamata Banerjee, and a state cabinet minister who was dissatisfied over the rising influence of her nephew [[Abhishek Banerjee (politician)|Abhishek Banerjee]] in the party. However, Adhikari revealed that he was in contact with the BJP since 2014 after he joined the party.<ref>{{cite web |title=BJP will form next government in Bengal: Suvendu Adhikari|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bjp-will-form-next-government-in-bengal-suvendu-adhikari/articleshow/79813465.cms|work=The Economic Times|date=2020-12-19}}</ref> His father [[Sisir Adhikari]], the MP from [[Kanthi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kanthi]], also defected from TMC to BJP.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-21|title=TMC MP Sisir Adhikari joins BJP at Amit shah's rally|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/tmc-mp-sisir-adhikari-joins-bjp-at-amit-shahs-rally/articleshow/81615490.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> Another cabinet minister, [[Rajib Banerjee]], also joined BJP.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 31, 2021|title=Bengal ex-minister Rajib Banerjee, former TMC leaders join BJP|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rajib-banerjee-other-former-tmc-leaders-join-bjp-in-delhi/articleshow/80604775.cms|access-date=2021-10-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

However, the TMC won the [[Kharagpur Sadar (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Kharagpur Sadar seat]] from BJP and [[Kaliaganj (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Kaliaganj seat]] from the INC, while retaining the [[Karimpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Karimpur seat]] in the by-polls held later in 2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/by-election-results-2019-live-its-3-0-in-bengal-as-mamatas-tmc-sweeps-kaliaganj-kharagpur-sadar-and-karimpur-2403449.html|title=By-election Results 2019: It's 3-0 in Bengal as Mamata's TMC Sweeps Kaliaganj, Kharagpur-Sadar and Karimpur|website=news18.com|date=28 November 2019}}</ref> after Abhishek Banerjee employed [[Prashant Kishor]] as the election strategist of Trinamool Congress for the upcoming polls. Elections to [[Municipal governance in India|municipal bodies]] of West Bengal (which include 112 [[Cities and towns in West Bengal#Municipality|municipalities]]{{efn|name=municipalities|Apart from these, an announcement about two new municipalities was made in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-13|title=Push for two new municipalities in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/push-for-two-new-municipalities-in-jalpaiguri-and-alipurduar/cid/1806535|work=Telegraph India|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-10-23|title=রাজ্যে ২ নয়া পুরসভা|url=https://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=13&nID=325686&P=2&nPID=20211023|newspaper=Bartaman|language=bn|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref> [[Bally Municipality]] was re-established on 12 November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-11-09|title=Civic polls in Kol & Howrah on Dec 19|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/civic-polls-in-kol-howrah-on-dec-19-458343|work=Millennium Post|access-date=2021-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-11-12|title=Bally Municipality: হাওড়া পুরসভা থেকে আলাদা হয়ে গেল বালি|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/district/west-bengal-assembly-bally-municipality-excluded-from-howrah-municipal-corporation-846407|work=ABP Ananda|language=bn|access-date=2021-11-12}}</ref>}} and the [[Municipal corporation (India)|municipal coporations]] of [[Kolkata Municipal Corporation|Kolkata]], [[Howrah Municipal Corporation|Howrah]], [[Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation|Bidhannagar]], [[Chandernagore Municipal Corporation|Chandannagar]], [[Asansol Municipal Corporation|Asansol]] and [[Siliguri Municipal Corporation|Siliguri]]) could not be held as scheduled in 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].

The pandemic became an election issue.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Tewari|first=Ruhi|date=2020-05-05|title=Mamata's Covid politics is benefiting Modi and West Bengal's election isn't that far|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/mamatas-covid-politics-is-benefiting-modi-and-west-bengals-election-isnt-that-far/414264/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=ThePrint}}</ref> The government was accused of "fudging" the count of positive cases and deaths in the region,<ref>{{cite web |date=2020-05-06|title=How can Mamata Banerjee's TMC recover lost political ground after 'fudging' Covid numbers?|url=https://theprint.in/talk-point/how-can-mamata-banerjees-tmc-recover-lost-political-ground-after-fudging-covid-numbers/415657/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=ThePrint}}</ref> and the AITC-led state government and BJP-led union government blamed each other for the surge in COVID-19 infections over the course of the campaign.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 April 2021|title=TMC, BJP blame game over spiralling Covid-19 cases|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/tmc-bjp-blame-game-over-spiralling-covid-19-cases/article34359511.ece|access-date=2021-04-21|website=@businessline}}</ref>

Modi was accused of holding rallies and flouting COVID-19 rules despite a second wave of the pandemic.<ref name=Reuters>{{cite web |date=2021-04-19|title=India's Modi scorned over reckless rallies, religious gathering amid virus mayhem|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-modi-scorned-over-reckless-rallies-religious-gathering-amid-virus-mayhem-2021-04-19/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sharma|first=Niharika|title=Indians are celebrating Holi and holding political rallies like there's no pandemic|url=https://qz.com/india/1987393/holi-celebration-modi-west-bengal-rally-despite-covid-19-surge/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Quartz}}</ref> Tens of thousands of people attended the rallies, which [[epidemiologists]] called a [[superspreader event]]s.<ref name=Reuters /> Modi was criticised for praising a large crowd at his rally in Asansol.<ref>{{cite web |title="Have Witnessed Such A Rally For The First Time...": PM Modi In Bengal|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-assembly-election-2021-prime-minister-narendra-modi-in-west-bengal-have-witnessed-such-a-rally-for-the-first-time-2416162|date=2021-04-18|website=NDTV}}</ref> By 19 April 2021, COVID-19 infections had quadrupled from the start of the month. Modi had insisted that rallying was a constitutional right,<ref>{{cite web |title=Modi slammed on social media amid deadly COVID-19 surge in India|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/19/modi-slammed-over-rallies-festivals-amid-deadly-covid-19-surge|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> and was also accused of misusing the money of PM Cares fund for election purposes.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Where has PM-CARES Fund money gone, asks Mamata|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/where-has-pm-cares-fund-money-gone-asks-mamata/article33222403.ece|date=1 December 2020|website=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mamata hits back, alleges misuse of PM Cares fund|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mamata-hits-back-at-modi-alleges-misuse-of-pm-cares-fund-101616265636457.html|date=21 March 2021|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The BJP accused Mamata Banerjee of not attending COVID-19 emergency management meetings held during the months of election campaigning, despite the second wave of infections,<ref>{{cite web |last=Ranjan|first=Abhinav|date=2021-04-21|title=Mamata faces reality check from BJP day after questioning Centre's vaccine policy|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/bjp-slams-mamata-banerjee-covid19-cases-vaccine-west-bengal-699337|access-date=2021-04-22|website=India TV}}</ref> and for also holding election rallies. Sanjukta Morcha held the first [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Brigade]] rally ahead of polling in West Bengal.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-28|title=Huge crowd at first joint rally of Left-Cong-ISF in Kolkata, no consensus yet over seat-sharing|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/huge-crowd-at-first-joint-rally-of-left-cong-isf-in-kolkata-no-consensus-yet-over-seat-sharing20210228200310|work=ANI|access-date=2021-11-14}}</ref> In mid-April, TMC requested holding the remaining phases of the elections in a single phase amid the rising number of COVID cases,<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-16|title=We want remaining elections in West Bengal to be held in one phase: TMC|url=https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/we-want-remaining-elections-in-west-bengal-to-be-held-in-one-phase-tmc/amp-11618571842733.html|website=Livemint}}</ref> but it was rejected by the Election Commission of India (ECI).<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-22|title=EC rejects TMC, Congress requests to tweak West Bengal poll dates|url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/ec-tmc-west-bengal-polls-club-remaining-phases-7283512/|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

In May 2020, a year before the 2021 elections, Cyclone Amphan hit the state.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bose|first=Pratim Ranjan|title=How Cyclone Amphan adds a new twist to the West Bengal elections|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/how-cyclone-amphan-adds-a-new-twist-to-the-west-bengal-elections/article31657909.ece|access-date=2020-09-30|website=@businessline}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=A tale of two disasters: Amphan and COVID-19 have dented Mamata's political dominance in West Bengal|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/columns/article/a-tale-of-twin-disasters-amphan-and-covid-19-have-dented-mamata-s-political-dominance-in-west-bengal/597204|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Times Now}}</ref> After it passed, widespread allegations of mismanagement<ref>{{cite web |date=2020-05-30|title=Political storm in TMC over post cyclone mismanagement|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/political-storm-tmc-post-cyclone-mismanagement|access-date=2020-09-30|website=The Sunday Guardian Live}}</ref> and relief scam were reported.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chattopadhyay|first=Suhrid Sankar|title=Amphan: Relief as disaster|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/article32005158.ece|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Frontline}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Das|first=Madhuparna|date=2020-06-30|title=Mamata govt now in trouble over Amphan relief 'scam', after cut-money and PDS corruption|url=https://theprint.in/india/mamata-govt-now-in-trouble-over-amphan-relief-scam-after-cut-money-and-pds-corruption/451774/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=ThePrint}}</ref> Protests broke out in some districts over the allegations,<ref>{{cite web |title=Cyclone 'Amphan': Protests across Kolkata as power, water crisis continues|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/cyclone-amphan-protests-across-kolkata-as-power-water-crisis-continues/articleshow/75918222.cms|access-date=2020-09-30|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Protests over Cyclone Amphan relief distribution continue in many WB areas|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/protests-over-cyclone-amphan-relief-distribution-continue-in-many-wb-areas/1877567|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Outlook India}}</ref> and the opposition made it an election issue ahead of the Assembly polls.<ref>{{cite web |date=2020-06-13|title=Cyclone Amphan a catalyst for BJP's new poll strategy in Bengal|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/cyclone-amphan-a-catalyst-for-bjp-s-new-poll-strategy-in-bengal/story-DiVooywHBfaZryEjvleP9L.html|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chattopadhyay|first=Suhrid Sankar|title=Bengal opposition leaders meet Central team, raise concerns over cyclone relief distribution|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/article31769047.ece|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Frontline}}</ref>

Polarisation amongst various religious, [[Linguistics|linguistic]], and [[Caste system in India|caste]] communities were also likely to play a role in this election.<ref>{{cite web |title=Polarisation politics peaks in Battleground Bengal|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/video/polarisation-politics-peaks-in-battleground-bengal-1783688-2021-03-25|access-date=2021-04-02|website=India Today}}</ref> Both TMC and BJP had promised schemes for various communities.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021: Why I voted BJP? It's in my name, says voter|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/west-bengal-assembly-elections-2021-why-i-voted-bjp-its-in-my-name-says-voter/cid/1811319|access-date=2021-04-02|website=Telegraph India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=West Bengal: India's PM Modi faces big electoral test|url=https://amp.dw.com/en/india-west-bengal-elections-secularism/a-57020229|access-date=2021-04-02|website=amp.dw.com}}</ref> Although previously mobilized by Left governments against elites under the "class" narrative, the [[Dalit]]s of West Bengal began to assert their identity politically.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Subaltern Shift: Why Bengal is Talking About Castes This Election Season|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/the-subaltern-shift-why-bengal-is-talking-about-castes-this-election-season-3560060.html|access-date=2021-04-02|website=News18|date=22 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bandyopadhyay|first=Sekhar|date=2021-04-01|title=The return of caste to Bengal|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/west-bengal-assembly-elections-2021-caste-politics-bjp-tmc-7253385/|access-date=2021-04-02|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=TMC, BJP tussle to woo Dalits as Bengal politics sees class- to-caste shift|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/tmc-bjp-tussle-to-woo-dalits-as-bengal-politics-sees-class-to-caste-shift/articleshow/82044873.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-05-01}}</ref> Religious polarization is particularly intense in districts bordering Bangladesh, such as North 24 Parganas. Arguments regarding who are native to the state and constituencies were also likely to impact the elections.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bengal polls 2021: 'Outsider' tag clings to BJP|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/west-bengal-assembly-elections-2021-outsider-tag-clings-to-bjp/cid/1811069|access-date=2021-04-02|website=Telegraph India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-04-01|title=The 'daughter of Bengal' taking on India's PM|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56445375|access-date=2021-04-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=In Nandigram, Mamata Banerjee Battles "Outsider" Tag|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-nandigram-mamata-banerjee-battles-outsider-tag-2387100|access-date=2021-04-02|website=NDTV}}</ref> Dissatisfaction and defection of many TMC leaders to BJP, allegedly due to rising influence of Abhishek Banerjee and Kishor in party administration was also likely to impact the elections.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dutta|first=Prabhash K.|date=20 November 2020|title=Why BJP is not the only challenge Mamata Banerjee faces in Bengal|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/news-analysis/story/west-bengal-mamata-banerjee-faces-challenges-bjp-prashant-kishor-1742547-2020-11-20|access-date=2020-11-20|website=India Today}}</ref>

[[File:The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Sunil Arora holding a press conference to announce the schedule for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry Legislative Assembly Elections 2021, in New Delhi on February 26, 2021.jpg|thumb|The Chief Election Commissioner, [[Sunil Arora]] holding a press conference to announce the schedule for Legislative Assembly election of West Bengal along with [[2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election|Assam]], [[2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election|Kerala]], [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|Tamil Nadu]], and [[2021 Puducherry Legislative Assembly election|Puducherry]], in New Delhi on February 26, 2021. The Election Commissioners, Sushil Chandra and Rajiv Kumar and the senior officials of ECI are also seen.|300px]]

The election schedule was announced on 26 February 2021, and the election was held in eight phases from 27 March 2021 to 29 April 2021. Votes were counted on 2 May 2021.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-26|title=Assembly Elections 2021 dates Live: EC announces poll dates for Bengal, Kerala, TN and Assam; counting on May 2|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/elections-2021-date-announcement-live-updates-assembly-poll-schedule-assam-west-bengal-kerala-tamil-nadu-puducherry-7205832/|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=26 February 2021|title=West Bengal election dates 2021: Eight-phase polling to start on March 27, results on May 2|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-election-date-2021-polling-to-start-on-march-27-results-on-may-2/articleshow/81227925.cms|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The Times of India}}</ref> On the day of announcement, the ECI declared that physically disabled and elderly voters would get the benefit of [[postal voting]] and the time limit for voting was extended by one hour.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rkc1nL9lpY|title=আজকের সেরা পনেরোটি খবর একসাথে|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Election Commission extends polling time by 30 minutes for first phase of West Bengal elections|url=https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/election-commission-extends-polling-time-by-30-minutes-for-first-phase-of-bengal-elections/amp-11614676729300.html|website=Livemint|date=2021-03-02|access-date=2021-09-18}}</ref> Due to polling abnormalities, re-polling for booth number 88 in [[Jangipara (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jangipara]] was held in the fourth phase.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-09|title=West Bengal Election 2021: 'TMC workers accompany voters inside polling booth', EC orders re-polling|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/west-bengal-election-2021-tmc-workers-accompany-voters-inside-polling-booth-ec-orders-re-polling/2229780/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=The Financial Express}}</ref> The elections in [[Jangipur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Jangipur]] and [[Samserganj (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Samserganj]] were adjourned due to the death of the INC candidate in Samserganj and [[Revolutionary Socialist Party (India)|Revolutionary Socialist Party]] (RSP) candidate in Jangipur.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |date=18 April 2021|title=EC puts off poll at Bengal's Jangipur and Samserganj seats following death of 2 candidates|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/ec-puts-off-poll-at-bengal-s-jangipur-seat-following-death-of-rsp-candidate-1792061-2021-04-17|access-date=20 April 2021|website=India Today}}</ref> Polling for these two seats was originally rescheduled to 13 May 2021,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bypolls in two Murshidabad constituencies on May 13, Muslims seek change|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/bypolls-in-murshidabads-samserganj-and-jangipur-on-may-13-muslims-seek-change/cid/1813119|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Telegraph India}}</ref> but as that day was Eid, it was pushed back to 16 May.<ref name="AB16May">{{cite web |date=22 April 2021|title=Bengal Polls: করোনায় প্রার্থীর মৃত্যুতে সামশেরগঞ্জ এবং জঙ্গিপুরে ভোট পিছিয়ে ১৬ মে, জানাল কমিশন|url=https://www.anandabazar.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/wb-election-2021-election-commission-announces-new-date-of-polling-for-samserganj-and-jangipur-assembly-constituency-of-murshidabad-dgtl/cid/1277221|access-date=23 April 2021|website=Anandabazar}}</ref> Later on ECI adjourned polling for both constituencies and it took place on 30 September.<ref name=adjourned_poll/> Repolling at the Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra polling station in [[Sitalkuchi (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Sitalkuchi]] was conducted on 29 April, after CISF personnel were fired on 10 April.<ref name=pib.gov.in>{{cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1714901|title=Peaceful Polling concludes across 11,860 Polling Stations ins 35 ACs in last Phase of WB Elections - Repolling in Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra polling station in 5-Sitalkuchi (SC)Assembly Constituency was also conducted today|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>

| 26 April 2021{{efn|name=fn1|For candidates only sponsored by the Indian National Congress in Samserganj<ref>{{cite web |title=ECI Revised Gazetted Notification 56-Samserganj|url=http://ceowestbengal.nic.in/UploadFiles/AE2021/SAR_30.pdf|date=2021-04-19|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> and Revolutionary Socialist Party in Jangipur.<ref>{{cite web |title=ECI Revised Gazetted Notification 58-Jangipur|url=http://ceowestbengal.nic.in/UploadFiles/AE2021/SAR_29.pdf|date=2021-04-19|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref>}}

Both factions of the [[Gorkha Janmukti Morcha]] (GJM) expressed support for TMC in the assembly election.<ref name="hi">''The Telegraph''. ''[https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/hill-assembly-seats-set-for-bipolar-contest/cid/1801463 Hill Assembly seats set for bipolar contest]''</ref> TMC allotted three seats in the Darjeeling to GJM, but its two factions, namely Bimal and Binoy, declared fielding their candidates in each of the three seats.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-06|title=Mamata Banerjee sets aside 3 Darjeeling seats but GJM factions remain divided|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/mamata-banerjee-sets-aside-3-darjeeling-seats-but-gjm-factions-remain-divided-101614970698739.html|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> [[Rashtriya Janata Dal|RJD]], [[Shiv Sena]], and [[Jharkhand Mukti Morcha|JMM]] also endorsed Trinamool for the election.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-01|title=Tejashwi Yadav meets Mamata Banerjee, offers full support in Bengal polls|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tejashwi-yadav-meets-mamata-banerjee-offers-full-support-in-bengal-polls-101614602762971.html|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=2021-11-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-04|title=Shiv Sena won't contest West Bengal polls, stand in solidarity with 'Bengal Tigress' Mamata: Sanjay Raut|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/west-bengal/article/shiv-sena-will-not-contest-west-bengal-polls-stand-in-solidarity-with-bengal-tigress-mamata-banerjee-sanjay-raut/727984|access-date=2021-03-05|website=Times Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-12|title=Hemant Soren lends his weight to Trinamool Congress, will campaign in West Bengal|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/hemant-soren-lends-his-weight-to-trinamool-congress-will-campaign-in-west-bengal|work=National Herald|access-date=2021-11-14}}</ref> TMC supported Independent candidate in Joypur after their candidate's nomination was cancelled.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=2021-03-12|title=WB Election 2021: ভোটে অংশ নিতে পারবেন না জয়পুরের তৃণমূল প্রার্থী, ডিভিশন বেঞ্চে খারিজ সিঙ্গল বেঞ্চের নির্দেশ|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/elections/west-bengal-election-2021-division-bench-rejected-election-commission-appeal-on-joypur-candidate-nomination-challenging-high-court-decision-805381|access-date=2021-03-12|website=ABP Ananda|language=bn}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=2021-03-16|title=WB Election 2021: পুরুলিয়ায় জয়পুরে নির্দল প্রার্থীকে সমর্থন তৃণমূলের|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/elections/west-bengal-election-2021-abhishek-banerjee-supporting-independent-candidate-in-joypur-constituency-ahead-of-elections-805956|access-date=2021-03-16|website=ABP Ananda|language=bn}}</ref>

| bgcolor="{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}"|

| rowspan="2" bgcolor="{{party color|Gorkha Janmukti Morcha}}"|

| bgcolor="{{party color|Independent politician}}"|

On 28 January 2021 Congress leader [[Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury]] announced that seat-sharing talks between the Congress and Left Front had concluded for 193 seats and that the remaining 101 seats would be decided at a later point.<ref name="dh">''Outlook''. ''[https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/cong-lf-finalise-seat-sharing-in-193-seats-in-wb-decision-on-rest-101-later/2019269 Cong, LF finalise seat sharing in 193 seats in WB, decision on rest 101 later]''</ref><ref>News18. ''[https://www.news18.com/news/politics/west-bengal-elections-congress-left-seat-sharing-3354167.html West Bengal Elections: Congress to Contest on 92 Seats, Left Parties Get 101 After Round 2 of Talks]''</ref> Out of the 193 seats agreed upon by 28 January, 92 went to Congress and 101 to the Left Front.<ref name="dh" /> Left Congress and ISF announced that they would form an alliance called Sanyukta Morcha on 28 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsclick.in/Bengal-Elections-Million-Plus-People-Brigade-Rally-Heralds-Left-Led-Sanjukta-Morcha|title=Million Plus People at Brigade Rally Heralds Left-Led Sanjukta Morcha|website=News Click|date=2021-03-01}}</ref> ISF initially claimed that they secured 30 seats from the Left Front's quota.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/west-bengal-assembly-election-abbas-siddiquis-isf-seals-deal-with-left-in-30-seats-talks-on-with-congres-9353091.html|title=Abbas Siddiqui's ISF seals deal with Left in 30 seats|website=First Post|date=2021-02-26}}</ref> After the final seat sharing agreement was concluded, it was announced that the Left Front would contest 165 seats, Congress 92 seats, and ISF 37 seats.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 March 2021|title=Left to fight 165 West Bengal seats, Congress 92, ISF 37|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/left-to-fight-165-bengal-seats-congress-92-isf-37/articleshow/81340342.cms|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite web |date=18 March 2021|title=ISF to fight polls on borrowed symbol|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/isf-to-fight-polls-on-borrowed-symbol-434695|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Millennium Post}}</ref>

Left Front chairman [[Biman Bose]] announced the candidates for the first and second-phase elections on 5 March alongside INC and ISF leaders, leaving seats for them in the list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/wb-polls-left-front-reveal-candidates-for-1st-and-2nd-phase|title=Left Front Reveals Candidates for 1st and 2nd Phase|website=The Quint|date=2021-03-05}}</ref> INC revealed its first list of 13 candidates for the first two phases on 6 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/west-bengal-assembly-elections-2021-congress-releases-first-list-of-13-candidates-2346186.html|title=Congress releases first list of 13 candidates for upcoming West Bengal assembly elections|website=Zee News|date=2021-03-06}}</ref> Left Front announced its second list of candidates on 10 March, consisting of several new and young faces from [[All India Students Federation]] (AISF), [[All India Youth Federation]] (AIYF), [[Students' Federation of India]] (SFI), and [[Democratic Youth Federation of India]] (DYFI), along with ex-ministers of the Left Front government and ex-MPs;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/left-packs-candidate-list-with-fresh-faces-veterans/articleshow/81440421.cms|title=Left packs candidate list with fresh faces, veterans|website=The Times of India|date=2021-03-11}}</ref> Bose also nominated DYFI West Bengal state president [[Minakshi Mukherjee]] as the CPI(M) candidate for the [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram]] seat, which was kept vacant in the first list published on 5 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/bengal-polls-cpi-m-declares-meenakshi-mukherjee-as-its-candidate-from-nandigram-1777836-2021-03-10|title=CPI(M) declares Minakshi Mukherjee as its candidate from Nandigram|website=India Today|date=2021-03-10}}</ref> On 14 March, INC revealed their second list of 34 candidates on 14 March,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/elections/news-west-bengal-polls-2021-congress-candidates-list-star-campaigners-latest-update-690988|title=Congress releases list of 34 candidates|website=India TV|date=2021-03-14}}</ref> and ISF their first set of 20 candidates.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/abbas-siddiqui-s-isf-releases-names-of-20-candidates-for-west-bengal-elections-1779332-2021-03-15|title=ISF releases names of 20 candidates for West Bengal elections|website=India Today|date=2021-03-14}}</ref> Sanyukta Morcha announced 15 more candidates on 17 March consisting of 9 from the Left Front, 2 from INC, and 4 from ISF.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tv9bangla.com/elections/west-bengal-elections-2021/isf-cpim-and-congress-announces-candidates-for-14-more-seats-in-west-bengal-assembly-election-2021-340267.html|title=আরও ১৫ আসনে প্রার্থীদের নাম ঘোষণা সংযুক্ত মোর্চার|website=TV9 Bangla|date=2021-03-17}}</ref> INC revealed their third list of 39 candidates on 20 March,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tv9bangla.com/elections/west-bengal-elections-2021/congress-publish-more-39-names-candidate-list-for-west-bengal-assembly-election-2021-341497.html|title=Candidate List West Bengal Election 2021|website=TV9 Bangla|date=2021-03-20}}</ref> and two more on 22 March.

| bgcolor="{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}"|

|[[Surjya Kanta Mishra]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Chattopadhyay|first=Suhrid Sankar|date=12 February 2021|title=Surjya Kanta Mishra: 'West Bengal Left bringing secular forces together to fight Trinamool and BJP'|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/interview-surjya-kanta-mishra-cpim-west-bengal-left-bringing-secular-forces-together-to-fight-trinamool-and-bjp-in-west-bengal-assembly-election-2021/article33659950.ece|access-date=2021-03-23|website=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|publisher=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

<!--[[Sujan Chakraborty]]<ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh|first=Shiv Sahay|date=2021-03-11|title=Singur to Nandigram, CPI(M) puts faith on youth leaders|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/west-bengal-assembly-elections-singur-to-nandigram-cpim-puts-faith-on-youth-leaders/article34039491.ece|access-date=2021-03-23|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>-->

<!--[[Mohammed Salim (politician)|Mohammed Salim]]<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Shiv Sahay|last2=Datta|first2=Sudipta|date=2021-03-20|title=Left-Congress alliance with ISF needed to break Hindu-Muslim binary, says Mohammed Salim|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/left-congress-alliance-with-isf-needed-to-break-hindu-muslim-binary/article34117836.ece|access-date=2021-03-23|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>-->

| bgcolor="{{party color|All India Forward Bloc}}"|

| bgcolor="{{party color|Revolutionary Socialist Party (India)}}"|

| bgcolor="{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}"|

| bgcolor="{{party color|Indian National Congress}}"|

| bgcolor={{party color|Indian Secular Front}}|

Five hill-based parties pledged support to BJP ahead of the assembly election: [[Gorkha National Liberation Front]] (GNLF), [[Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists]], [[Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League]] (ABGL), Gorkhaland Rajya Nirman Morcha, and SUMETI Mukti Morcha.<ref name=hi/> [[Hindu Samhati]], a right-wing organisation in West Bengal, had withdrawn their support from the BJP at first<ref>{{cite web |last=Khanna|first=Rohit|date=29 October 2020|title=Hindu Samhati severs BJP ties, to contest Bengal polls|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/hindu-samhati-severs-bjp-ties-to-contest-bengal-polls/articleshow/78921790.cms|access-date=2021-03-31|website=The Times of India}}</ref> to contest the elections on their own,<ref>{{cite web |last=Chatterjee|first=Tanmay|date=2021-02-15|title=Bengal polls: New contender in race, far-Right group Hindu Samhati forms party|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/bengal-polls-new-contender-in-race-far-right-group-hindu-samhati-forms-party-101613329152802.html|access-date=2021-03-31|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> but eventually they supported the BJP.<ref>{{cite web |last=Saha|first=Dibyendu|date=2021-03-13|title=রাজ্যে বিজেপির প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বীর সংখ্যা কমল, ২১-এর লড়াইয়ে অ্যাডভান্টেজ গেরুয়া শিবিরের|url=https://bengali.oneindia.com/news/west-bengal/west-bengal-election-2021-hindu-samhati-will-support-bjp-not-to-field-candidate-against-them-127351.html|access-date=2021-03-31|website=One India|language=bn}}</ref> BJP allotted the [[Amta (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Amta constituency]] seat to the president of Hindu Samhati to contest under the symbol of BJP.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pande|first=Manisha|date=20 March 2021|title=Strong base and Bengali Hindutva: In Howrah, far-right Hindu Samhati comes to BJP's rescue|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/03/20/strong-base-and-bengali-hindutva-in-howrah-far-right-hindu-samhati-comes-to-bjps-rescue|access-date=2021-03-31|website=Newslaundry}}</ref>

BJP also allotted the [[Baghmundi (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Baghmundi constituency]], bordering [[Jharkhand]], to the [[All Jharkhand Students Union]] (AJSU).<ref>{{cite web |date=8 March 2021|title=BJP leaves one seat for ally Ajsu Party to contest in Bengal|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/jharkhand/bjp-leaves-one-seat-for-ally-ajsu-party-to-contest-in-bengal/cid/1808872|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Telegraph India}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Bengal Elections 2021: Full List Of BJP Candidates|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-elections-2021-full-list-of-bjp-candidates-2385170|access-date=2021-03-15|website=NDTV}}</ref>

| bgcolor="{{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}"|

| bgcolor="{{party color|All Jharkhand Students Union}}"|

Shiv Sena initially said that they would contest in around 100 seats,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/west-bengal/article/west-bengal-elections-as-shiv-sena-plans-to-contest-100-seats-heres-how-party-fared-in-previous-polls/703144|title=West Bengal elections: As Shiv Sena plans to contest 100 seats, here's how party fared in previous polls|date=5 January 2021|website=Times Now|access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref> but later on 4 March 2021 announced that they would not contest and would support Mamata Banerjee and TMC.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/shiv-sena-wont-contest-bengal-polls-to-support-real-tigress-mamata-banerjee-3497450.html|title=Shiv Sena Won't Contest Bengal Polls, to Support Mamata Banerjee|website=News18|date=2021-03-04}}</ref>

| bgcolor="{{party color|Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist)}}"|

| bgcolor="{{party color|Janata Dal (United)}}"|

|[[Janata Dal (United)]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Bihar ruling party JDU to contest in Assam and West Bengal polls, finalises on candidates|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/mar/01/bihar-ruling-party-jduto-contest-in-assam-and-west-bengal-polls-finalises-on-candidates-2270486.html|access-date=2021-03-01|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

|style="text-align:center"|16<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-23|title=Nitish Kumar likely to give Assam, West Bengal poll campaigns a miss|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/assam-assembly-election/nitish-kumar-likely-to-give-assam-west-bengal-poll-campaigns-a-miss-101616485854591.html|access-date=2021-03-24|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

| bgcolor="{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation}}"|

|[[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/liberation-announced-12-seats-in-west-bengal-assembly-election-2021-dgtl/cid/1263683|title=পশ্চিমবঙ্গে বিজেপি-র বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করবে লিবারেশন, ঘোষণা হল ১২ আসনের তালিকা|website=Anandabazar|date=2021-01-28}}</ref>

| bgcolor="{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Red Star}}"|

|[[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Red Star]]<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-12|title=India: 2021 elections in five states – what do they reveal?|url=https://www.marxist.com/india-2021-elections-in-five-states.htm|website=marxist.com}}</ref>

|bgcolor="{{party color|All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen}}"|

|[[All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/aimim-decides-to-field-13-candidates-in-west-bengals-murshidabad-3552596.html|title=AIMIM Decides to Field 13 Candidates in West Bengal's Murshidabad|date=19 March 2021|website=News18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-19|title=Major setback for AIMIM, party's Bengal in-charge quits ahead of assembly polls|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/major-setback-for-aimim-party-s-bengal-in-charge-quits-ahead-of-assembly-polls-101616172208264.html|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=2021-11-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AIMIM to be in poll fray for West Bengal, says Asaduddin Owaisi; to announce seats on March 27|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/west-bengal/article/aimim-to-be-in-poll-fray-for-west-bengal-says-asaduddin-owaisi-to-announce-seats-on-march/736122|access-date=2021-03-24|website=Times Now}}</ref>

|style="text-align:center"|6<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abplive.com/news/india/west-bengal-election-candidate-list-of-asaduddin-owaisi-aimim-in-bengal-ann-1851137|title=WB Election 2021, AIMIM: असदुद्दीन ओवैसी की पार्टी ने बंगाल की इन सात सीटों पर उतारे अपने उम्मीदवार|first=मनोज्ञा|last=लोईवाल|date=7 April 2021|website=www.abplive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mim-to-enter-wb-poll-fray-from-7-seats/articleshow/81938874.cms|title=AIMIM to fight from only 7 seats in West Bengal|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theprint.in/politics/owaisi-fields-7-candidates-in-bengal-counts-on-muslim-majority-seats-for-state-debut/635634|title=Owaisi fields 7 candidates in Bengal, counts on Muslim-majority seats for state debut|date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

|bgcolor="{{party color|Bahujan Samaj Party}}"|

|[[Bahujan Samaj Party]]<ref>{{cite web |title=BSP will contest Assembly polls in Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry alone, says Mayawati|url=https://scroll.in/latest/989592/bsp-will-contest-assembly-polls-in-bengal-tamil-nadu-kerala-and-puducherry-alone-says-mayawati|access-date=2021-04-24|website=Scroll.in}}</ref>

|bgcolor="{{party color|National People's Party (India)}}"|

|[[National People's Party (India)|National People's Party]]<ref>{{cite web |title= No. of Contesting Candidates|url=http://ceowestbengal.nic.in/UploadFiles/AE2021/Nomination_status.pdf|access-date=2021-04-27|website=ceowestbengal.nic.in}}</ref>

On 27 March, the ECI banned the publication of surveys and [[exit poll]]s until 7:30 pm on 29 April to prevent influencing voters,<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Commission bans exit polls till 7:30 PM on April 29|url=http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=412912|access-date=2021-04-29|website=NewsOnAIR}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-29|title=Exit Poll Results 2021 date and time: When and where to watch exit poll results for West Bengal, Assam, TN, Kerala and Puducherry|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/exit-poll-results-2021-date-and-time-when-and-where-to-watch-exit-poll-results-for-west-bengal-assam-tn-kerala-and-puducherry-9573961.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=Firstpost}}</ref> but the ban ended half an hour earlier.<ref>{{cite web |title=Commission's Corrigendum to the Notification No. 576/EXIT/2021/SDR-Vol. I dated 24th March, 2021 - Exit Poll- regarding|url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/13351-commissions-corrigendum-to-the-notification-no-576exit2021sdr-vol-i-dated-24th-march-2021-exit-poll-regarding/|access-date=2021-04-29|website=Election Commission of India}}</ref>

! style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |

! style="background:{{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}" |

| rowspan="2" |ABP News - C-Voter<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWsTkOH1-vM|title=Exit Poll West Bengal Election Results 2021: কাদের দখলে নবান্ন?|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/west-bengal-exit-poll-results-2021-bengal-elections-abp-cvoter-exit-poll-results-bjp-tmc-congress-1455220|title=West Bengal Exit Poll: Mamata-Led TMC To Return To Power; BJP To Emerge As Second Largest Party|date=29 April 2021|website=news.abplive.com}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''152-164'''

|109-121

|14-25

| -

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''31-55'''

|NK Digital Magazine<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-29|title=Exit Poll &#124; ভোটের ভবিষ্যৎ &#124; West Bengal Election 2021 &#124; বুথ ফেরৎ সমীক্ষা । TMC BJP CPIM CONGRESS|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7OukZE-vkg|website=NK Digital Magazine|language=bn}}</ref>

|30 April - 1 May 2021

|Ekhon Biswa Bangla Sangbad<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/biswabanglasangbad/photos/a.414061258962052/1409603706074464|title=Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-05-01|title=করোনাকাল ও ভোটের ফল। দর্শকদের মুখোমুখি কুণাল ঘোষ|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iES1CQZTfE|access-date=2021-05-01|website=Biswa Bangla Sangbad|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/biswabanglasangbad/photos/a.532509567117220/1411061252595376|title=Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''(182-1)=181'''

|(12-1)=11

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''154-169'''

|94-109

|24-34

|0-1

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''45-75'''

|Ground Zero Research<ref>{{cite web |url=http://groundzeroresearch.com/westb.php|title=West Bengal Elections 2021: Exit Poll|website=groundzeroresearch.com}}</ref><ref name="bengali.abplive.com">{{cite web |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/elections/west-bengal-exit-poll-results-2021-bengal-elections-abp-cvoter-exit-poll-results-tmc-regain-power-in-bengal-get-to-know-all-exit-polls-812030|title=WB ABP-Cvoter Exit Poll Results 2021: নবান্ন নীল-সাদাই! তৃণমূলের ফেরার ইঙ্গিত বেশিরভাগ বুথফেরত সমীক্ষায়, একসঙ্গে রইল সমস্ত এক্সিট পোল|first=ওয়েব ডেস্ক, এবিপি|last=আনন্দ|date=29 April 2021|website=bengali.abplive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1409539622747539&id=399966740371504|title=Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''154-186'''

|96-124

|6-14

|2-3

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''30-90'''

| -

| rowspan="2" |Today's Chanakya<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.todayschanakya.com/west-bengal-assembly-elections-2021-post-poll-analysis.html|title=West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 Exit Poll&#124;Post Poll Analysis|website=www.todayschanakya.com}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''169-191'''

|97-119

|0-8

|0-3

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''50-94'''

| rowspan="2" |ETG Research<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.etgresearch.in/|title=EtG Research - West Bengal Politics - Tamilnadu Politics - Bihar Politics|website=EtG Research}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''164-176'''

|105-115

|10-15

|0-1

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''49-71'''

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''152-172'''

|112-132

|10-20

| -

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''20-60'''

| -

|NEWSX - Polstrat<ref name="oneindia.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.oneindia.com/west-bengal-election-2021-opinion-poll-and-exit-poll/|title=West Bengal Election 2021 Opinion Poll and Exit Poll Results, Survey and Predictions|website=Oneindia}}</ref><ref name="exchange4media.com">{{cite web |title=Polstrat & News X release West Bengal exit poll results|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/amp/industry-briefing-news/polstrat-news-x-release-west-bengal-exit-poll-results-112668.html|access-date=2021-04-30|website=Exchange4media}}</ref><ref name="news18.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/assembly-elections-2021/exit-poll-1/|title=Exit Poll Results 2021 Live by Republic CNX &#124; Assemby Elections Exit Polls Result of West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry|website=News18}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''152-162'''

|115-125

|16-26

| -

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''27-47'''

| rowspan="2" |TV9 Bharatvarsh - Polstrat'<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/|title=Hindi News Before West Bengal|website=TV9 Hindi}}</ref><ref name="exchange4media.com"/><ref name="oneindia.com"/>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''142-152'''

|125-135

|16-26

| -

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''7-27'''

| rowspan="2" |India Today - Axis-My-India<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/story/exit-poll-result-2021-live-updates-west-bengal-tamil-nadu-assam-kerala-puducherry-states-opinion-poll-aajtak-india-today-1796316-2021-04-29|title=India Today-Axis My India exit polls results 2021: Voters of Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry have decided|date=29 April 2021|website=India Today}}</ref><ref name="ndtv.com"/>

|130-156

|'''134-160'''

|0-2

|0-1

|India TV - Peoples Pulse<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/elections/news-west-bengal-election-exit-poll-2021-with-india-tv-tmc-mamata-banerjee-bjp-congress-left-live-updates-701359|title=Bengal Exit Poll: BJP likely to deny Mamata third term &#124; Key takeaways|first=Shashank|last=Shantanu|date=29 April 2021|website=www.indiatvnews.com}}</ref>

|64-88

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''173-192'''

|7-12

| -

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''85-128'''

|104-121

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''162-185'''

|3-9

| -

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''58-64'''

|44-45%

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''46-48%'''

|5-8%

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''1-4%'''

|Priyo Bandhu Media<ref>{{cite web |title=ভোটের সমীক্ষা – প্রিয় বন্ধু বাংলা|url=https://bengali.priyobandhu.com/rat-pohalei-gonona-kon-dol-koto-ashon-dokhol-korte-choleche/|access-date=2021-04-30|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501063712/https://bengali.priyobandhu.com/rat-pohalei-gonona-kon-dol-koto-ashon-dokhol-korte-choleche/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

|84-119

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''159-192'''

|11-20

| -

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''40-108'''

|Sudarshan News<ref>{{cite web |title=#SudarshanExitPoll बंगाल में लहराने जा रहा भगवा ध्वज.. भाजपा को स्पष्ट बहुमत का अनुमान, ओवैसी ने चाटी धूल|url=https://www.sudarshannews.in/news-detail.aspx?id=20881|access-date=2021-05-29|website=www.sudarshannews.in}}</ref>

| 97-104

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''170-180'''

| 6-10

| 1-3

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''66-83'''

! style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''143-155'''

! 121-134

! 12-17

! style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''9-34'''

''NK Digital Magazine''{{'s}} exit poll predicted victory for TMC in general election for the Samserganj seat and by-election for the Bhabanipur seat.<ref>{{cite AV media|date=2021-09-30|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnYVL7VA13o|title=EXIT POLL of BHAWANIPUR and Samshergaunj West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 By poll|access-date=2021-09-30|publisher=NK Digital Magazine|via=[[YouTube]]|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|date=2021-10-02|title=Exit Poll of Bhabanipur {{!}} Calculation according to the candidates {{!}} West Bengal Assembly Election|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Yu1XYFfHc|access-date=2021-10-02|publisher=NK Digital Magazine|via=[[YouTube]]|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|date=2021-10-02|title=Exit Poll of Bhabanipur|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m50YpnTYZME|access-date=2021-10-02|publisher=NK INDIA|via=[[YouTube]]|language=hi}}</ref> ''Ekhon Biswa Bangla Sangbad'' predicted TMC's victory in all three seats where elections took place on 30 September.<ref>{{cite AV media|date=2021-09-30|title=লিখে রাখুন ফলাফল ৩-০ হচ্ছে: কুণাল|url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1518041075230726&id=399966740371504|access-date=2021-10-04|publisher=Ekhon BiswaBangla Sangbad|via=[[Facebook]]|language=bn}}</ref>

A number of pre-poll surveys for the elections were published by different agencies and groups in the span of one year until 27 March. Most polls contradicted each other regarding the possible outcome.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trinamool or BJP? As battle for 'Poriborton' heats up in Bengal, pollsters divided over outcome|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/mar/10/trinamool-or-bjp-as-battle-for-poriborton-heats-up-in-bengal-pollsters-divided-over-outcome-2274587.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

! style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |

! style="background:{{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}" |

| rowspan="2" |P-Marq<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-25|title=P-Marq survey gives edge to BJP in West Bengal, Left in Kerala|url=https://www.siasat.com/p-marq-survey-gives-edge-to-bjp-in-west-bengal-left-in-kerala-2115366/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=The Siasat Daily}}</ref><ref name=":6"/>

|121-130

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''149-158'''

|11-15

| -

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''19-37'''

| -

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''170-175'''

|74-79

|42-47

|0-2

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''91-101'''

|19-25 March 2021

| rowspan="1" |Priyo Bandhu Media<ref name="crowdwisdom360.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.crowdwisdom360.com/blog/detail/580|title=Bengal Election Result 2021: TMC heading for a Massive Win|website=www.crowdwisdom360.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf-r6jY2Fbs|title=WB Election 21: প্রথম দফার ৩০ আসনে কে কোথায় জিততে চলেছেন? দেখুন সর্বশেষ সমীক্ষার বিস্তারিত ফলাফল|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bengali.priyobandhu.com/prothom-dofar-nirbachone-smvabyo-somikhya/|title=প্রথম দফার নির্বাচনের সম্ভাব্য সমীক্ষা, কারা হাসতে চলেছে শেষ হাসি, জেনে নিন! – প্রিয় বন্ধু বাংলা|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518162246/https://bengali.priyobandhu.com/prothom-dofar-nirbachone-smvabyo-somikhya/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

| -

| rowspan="2" |Times Now C-Voter <ref>{{cite web |title=West Bengal Opinion Poll 2021: 'BJP may emerge as force to reckon with; TMC likely to get 160 seats'|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/west-bengal/article/west-bengal-election-opinion-poll/736707|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Times Now}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''152-168'''

|104-120

|18-26

|0-2

| rowspan="2" style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''32-64'''

| rowspan="2" |TV9 Bharatvarsh <ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-24|title=West Bengal Election 2021 Opinion Poll: BJP दे रही है कड़ी टक्कर, बहुमत से 2 सीट दूर रह जाएंगी ममता|url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/elections/west-bengal-elections-2021/west-bengal-election-2021-opinion-poll-live-updates-in-hindi-tv9-bharatvarsh-polstrat-tmc-mamata-banerjee-cm-bjp-narendra-modi-government-congress-latest-chunav-wb-news-today-2-591600.html|access-date=2021-03-26|website=TV9 Hindi|language=hi}}</ref>

| rowspan="2" |ABP News - CNX<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/abp-news-cnx-opinion-poll-2021-vote-share-predictions-wb-election-state-assembly-seat-wise-analysis-abp-west-bengal-1449806|title=ABP-CNX Opinion Poll, WB Election: BJP Inches Closer With TMC In Vote Share; People Voice For Change|website=news.abplive.com|date=2021-03-23}}</ref>

|'''136-146'''

|130-140

|14-18

|1-3

| rowspan="1" |India TV- Peoples Pulse<ref>{{cite web |last=Bhandari|first=Shashwat|date=2021-03-24|title=West Bengal opinion poll: Mamata or Modi, who has the edge? {{!}} Big takeaways|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/west-bengal-opinion-poll-bjp-tmc-seats-prediction-people-pulse-c-voter-cnx-survey-latest-news-693268|access-date=2021-03-26|website=India TV}}</ref>

| rowspan="2" |Jan-Ki-Baat<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-23|title=India News Jan Ki Baat Opinion Poll Bengal: TMC BJP MAHAJOT Vote Percent in West Bengal Assembly Election Result 2021 India News Jan Ki Baat Opinion Poll Bengal: परिवर्तन के पक्ष में बंगाल की जनता, जानिए बीजेपी और टीएमसी को कितने प्रतिशत वोट?|url=https://www.inkhabar.com/national/india-news-jan-ki-baat-opinion-poll-bengal-tmc-bjp-mahajot-vote-percent-in-west-bengal-assembly-election-result-2021-708145|access-date=2021-03-23|website=Inkhabar|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-23|title=India News Jan Ki Baat Opinion Poll Bengal: BJP TMC MAHAJOT Seat Sharing in West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 Result, Win Loss Seat Sharing India News Jan Ki Baat Opinion Poll West Bengal : पश्चिम बंगाल में चलेगा बीजेपी का जादू, इतनी सीटों पर सिमट सकती हैं ममता बनर्जी की पार्टी टीएमसी|url=https://www.inkhabar.com/national/india-news-jan-ki-baat-opinion-poll-bengal-bjp-tmc-mahajot-seat-sharing-in-west-bengal-assembly-election-2021-result-win-loss-seat-sharing-708157|access-date=2021-03-23|website=Inkhabar|language=hi}}</ref>

|118-134

| {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''150-162'''

|10-14

| rowspan="2" {{Party shading/BJP}} |'''16-44'''

| rowspan="2" |Polstrat<ref>{{cite web |last=Maskara|first=Shreya|date=2021-03-20|title=Polstrat Opinion Poll 2021: Voices from West Bengal|url=https://polstrat.medium.com/polstrat-opinion-poll-2021-voices-from-west-bengal-548eb5fad7d3|access-date=2021-04-30|website=Medium}}</ref>

| -

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''157-179'''

|78-100

|28-42

|0-4

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''57-101'''

| rowspan="2" |ABP News - C Voter<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/abp-news-cvoter-opinion-poll-2021-live-updates-west-bengal-poll-tamil-nadu-kerala-assam-puducherry-election-opinion-poll-results-news-1448615|title=ABP News-CVoter Opinion Poll 2021 HIGHLIGHTS: From TMC To AINRC; Know Who Is Leading Where Ahead Of Assembly Polls|date=15 March 2021|website=news.abplive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/abp-news-cvoter-opinion-poll-2021-results-west-bengal-opinion-poll-results-2021-mamata-banerjee-tmc-bjp-congress-vote-share-seat-wise-details-1448620|title=ABP Opinion Poll: TMC Still Top Choice In West Bengal, BJP Inches Closer; Cong+Left Nowhere In Race|date=15 March 2021|website=news.abplive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/elections/abp-ananda-c-voter-opinion-poll-2021-live-updates-west-bengal-poll-tamil-nadu-kerala-assam-puducherry-election-opinion-poll-results-news-805831|title=WB Election C-Voter Opinion Poll 2021 LIVE: বাংলার মসনদে কে, কী বলছে সি ভোটারের তৃতীয় দফার সমীক্ষা?|first=ওয়েব ডেস্ক, এবিপি|last=আনন্দ|date=15 March 2021|website=bengali.abplive.com}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''150-166'''

|98-114

|23-31

|3-5

| rowspan="2" style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''36-52'''

| rowspan="2" |ABP News - CNX<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-08|title=ABP-CNX Opinion Poll 2021: BJP Loses Ground, TMC Constant; Check Swinging Vote Share & Seat Projection Ahead of Bengal Polls|url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/abp-news-cnx-opinion-poll-west-bengal-election-2021-constituency-wise-vote-share-and-seat-projection-1447581|access-date=2021-03-09|website=ABP Live}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''154-164'''

|102-112

|22-30

| rowspan="2" style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''42-62'''

| rowspan="2" |Times Now - C Voter<ref>{{cite web |title=West Bengal Pre Poll Survey 2021: Mamata likely to retain power; BJP expected to bag 107 seats|url=https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEPPjfqho0RSF-AVkPKKZKQoqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowr6n9CjCr4PQCMOTdpQY|access-date=2021-03-09|website=Google News}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''146-162'''

|99-112

|29-37

| rowspan="2" style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''31-63'''

| -

| rowspan="2" |13-14 February 2021

| rowspan="2" |NK Digital Magazine{{efn|name=fn5|This survey was larger than any other opinion poll conducted by other agencies, on the basis of sample size, which for this survey was 147,000.}}<ref name="crowdwisdom360.com"/><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-13|title=West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 Opinion Poll Final Part, Episode 1 &#124; TMC BJP CPIM CONGRESS|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34zFbLBtMEs|website=NK Digital Magazine|language=bn}}</ref>

! rowspan="2" |ABP News - C Voter<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-27|title=C-Voter Opinion poll বিধানসভা ভোটে কোন দল ক'টি আসন পেতে পারে? কী বলছে C Voter জনমত সমীক্ষা|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/news/states/abp-ananda-c-voter-opinion-poll-2021-results-tmc-bjp-congress-left-front-party-wise-seat-share-ahead-of-elections-803631|website=ABP Ananda}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-27|title=C-Voter Opinion poll কোন দল পেতে পারে কত শতাংশ ভোট? কী বলছে C Voter জনমত সমীক্ষা|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/news/states/abp-ananda-c-voter-opinion-poll-2021-results-tmc-bjp-congress-left-front-party-poll-percentage-ahead-of-elections-803635|website=ABP Ananda}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''148-164'''

|92-108

|31-39

|1-5

| rowspan="2" style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''40-72'''

! rowspan="2" |ABP News - CNX<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-15|title=CNX Opinion Poll: আসন্ন নির্বাচনে কোন দল পেতে পারে কটা আসন?|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/news/states/cnx-opinion-poll-bjp-or-tmc-where-the-bengal-voters-are-leaning-themselves-ahead-of-election-802125|website=ABP Ananda}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-15|title=ABP News Opinion Poll: TMC Or BJP? Know Where Voters Are Leaning Towards In West Bengal Elections|url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/abp-news-opinion-poll-mamata-banerjee-led-tmc-or-bjp-know-where-voters-heading-west-bengal-assembly-elections-abp-cnx-survey-1444335|website=ABP Live}}</ref>

| style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''146-156'''

|113-119

|20-28

|1-3

| rowspan="2" style="background:#B0F4B0" |'''25-43'''

! rowspan="2" | ABP News - CVoter<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-01-18|title=ABP-CVoter Election 2021 Opinion Poll LIVE: People In Bengal Satisfied With Mamata, TMC To Regain Power|url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/abp-news-c-voter-2021-opinion-poll-live-updates-kaun-banega-mukhyamantri-assembly-election-5-states-wb-election-opinion-poll-kerala-election-opinion-poll-puducherry-tamil-nadu-manipur-opinion-poll-results-stats-1439900|access-date=2021-01-18|website=ABP Live}}</ref>

''NK Digital Magazine''{{'s}} opinion poll predicted victory for TMC in Jangipur and Samserganj.<ref>{{Cite AV media|date=2021-09-12|title=UP & West Bengal Assembly Election Opinon Poll Part 1 {{!}} NK Digital|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y1iPKonQ0Y|publisher=NK Digital Magazine|via=YouTube|language=bn|access-date=2021-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media|date=2021-09-15|title=West Bengal Assembly Election 2021{{!}} Bhawanipur {{!}} By Poll #Mamata Banerjee # Priyanka Tibrewal|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyqo-cM6UP0|publisher=NK Digital Magazine|via=YouTube|language=bn|access-date=2021-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media|date=2021-09-16|title=Bhawanipur Ka Bhabishya {{!}} Future of Mamata Banerjee {{!}} NK India|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUf9V0eCYCA|publisher=NK INDIA|via=YouTube|language=hi|access-date=2021-09-16}}</ref> They also conducted a pre-poll survey across poll-bound Assembly constituencies that predicted TMC's victory.<ref>{{Cite AV media|date=2021-10-17|title=West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 Opinion Poll|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBqp41rck5g|publisher=NK Digital Magazine|via=[[YouTube]]|language=bn|access-date=2021-10-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media|date=2021-10-24|title=West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 Opinion Poll of Santipur Dinhata Bye Poll NK Digital|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE9aDJRjPpI|publisher=NK Digital Magazine|via=[[YouTube]]|language=bn|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref>

The ECI issued various health guidelines for conducting the elections, including the use of masks, sanitisation of the polling booths, use of thermal scanners before entering the polling booths, maintaining social distancing, and so forth.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-26|title=Election Covid Guidelines: করোনা আবহে কোভিড বিধি মেনেই ভোট, জেনে নিন সব গাইডলাইন|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/news/covid-safety-election-guidelines-to-be-followed-in-elections-announced-by-election-commission-803518|access-date=2021-03-07|website=ABP Ananda|language=bn}}</ref> The maximum number of voters for each polling station was lowered to 1000 from 1500.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-02|title=Assembly polls 2021: Guidelines in place for Covid-positive voters|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/assembly-polls-2021-guidelines-in-place-for-covid-positive-voters-957152.html|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

After COVID-19 cases increased in the state,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-18|title=COVID-19 cases spike in poll-bound West Bengal|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/covid-19-cases-spike-in-poll-bound-west-bengal/article34095578.ece|access-date=2021-04-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> the ECI issued warnings for all recognised state and national political parties to strictly follow COVID-19 guidelines,<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-10|title=Follow Covid norms or will ban rallies, Election Commission tells parties|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/follow-covid-norms-or-will-ban-rallies-election-commission-tells-parties-7266946/|access-date=2021-04-11|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> and banned all political rallies, public meetings, street plays and ''nukkad sabhas'' from 7 pm to 10 am starting from 16 April.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-16|title=West Bengal Election 2021: EC bans rallies, public meetings from 7 pm to 10 am amid COVID surge|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-west-bengal-election-2021-ec-bans-rallies-public-meetings-from-7-pm-to-10-am-amid-covid-surge-2886669|access-date=2021-04-16|website=DNA India}}</ref> On 22 April 2021, before the seventh and eighth phases of voting, the ECI forbade roadshows, and added that at most 500 people were allowed in public meetings.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bhandari|first=Shashwat|date=2021-04-22|title=Covid-19: EC restricts Bengal election campaigning, parties can't hold roadshows|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/elections/news-election-commission-big-decision-restricts-bengal-election-campaigning-bans-roadshows-699768|access-date=2021-04-22|website=India TV}}</ref> On 27 April, they issued a notification over banning victory processions on and after the day the votes were counted.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-27|title=Amid Covid-19 surge, Election Commission bans victory processions during and after counting of votes on May 2|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/election-commission-bans-victory-processions-during-and-after-counting-of-votes-on-may-2-7290853/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

After several instances of violence, threats, and murders before the polls were announced, the ECI and the [[Ministry of Home Affairs|Home Ministry]] ordered twelve companies of [[Central Armed Police Forces]] (CAPF) to be deployed in West Bengal on 20 February. At least 125 more CAPF troops were dispatched to reach West Bengal on 25 February to focus on sensitive zones.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Bengal Election 2021: 12 Companies Of Central Forces Reach Bengal As Poll Preparation Begins|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/politics/west-bengal-election-2021-12-companies-of-central-forces-reach-bengal-as-poll-preparation-begins-6548611.html|access-date=2021-03-08|website=Moneycontrol}}</ref> 60 companies of the [[Central Reserve Police Force]] (CRPF), 30 companies of the [[Sashastra Seema Bal]] (SSB), 25 companies of the [[Border Security Force]] (BSF) and five companies each of the [[Central Industrial Security Force]] (CISF) and the [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] (ITBP).<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-04|title=Explained: Why the EC is sending 125 companies of CAPF to Bengal before poll announcement|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/west-bengal-assembly-elections-central-forces-deployment-7197073/|access-date=2021-03-08|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> The total number of central forces rose to 725,<ref>{{cite web |title=725 CAPF companies to be deployed for West Bengal polls, informs CRPF DG|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/725-capf-companies-to-be-deployed-for-west-bengal-polls-informs-crpf-dg|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Free Press Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=725 CAPF companies to be deployed for West Bengal polls: CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh {{!}} West Bengal News|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/india/west-bengal/article/725-capf-companies-to-be-deployed-for-west-bengal-polls-crpf-chief-kuldiep-singh/734173|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Times Now}}</ref> before a final total of 1,000 companies after the third phase of polling.<ref>{{cite web |title=200 more CAPF companies to reach Bengal|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/200-more-capf-companies-to-reach-bengal/articleshow/81891164.cms|access-date=2021-04-10|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

In the second phase of election, [[Section 144]] of the [[Code of Criminal Procedure (India)|Code of Criminal Procedure]] was implemented across areas in the Tamluk and Haldia subdivisions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaushika|first=Pragya|date=2021-03-31|title=Ahead of phase II polling, Bengal administration imposes Section 144 in Nandigram, adjoining constituencies|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ahead-of-phase-ii-polling-bengal-administration-imposes-section-144-in-nandigram-adjoining-constituencies20210331160318/|access-date=2021-03-31|website=ANI News}}</ref> After the fourth phase of polling, the ECI deployed an extra 71 companies of central forces.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-10|title=Amid poll-related violence, 71 more CAPF companies rushed to West Bengal|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/amid-poll-related-violence-71-more-capf-companies-rushed-to-west-bengal/2230757/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=The Financial Express}}</ref>

! {{right| 73,298,428 <br/>{{small|}}}}

! '''82.30%'''

|<ref>{{cite web |title=Polling for Phase 1 Assam and West Bengal Assembly Constituencies conducted peacefully & successfully|url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/13207-polling-for-phase-1-assam-and-west-bengal-assembly-constituencies-conducted-peacefully-successfully/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Election Commission of India}}</ref>

|<ref>{{cite web |title=Polling for Phase 2 Assam and West Bengal Assembly Constituencies conducted peacefully.|url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/13229-polling-for-phase-2-assam-and-west-bengal-assembly-constituencies-conducted-peacefully/|access-date=2021-04-02|website=Election Commission of India}}</ref>

|<ref>{{cite web |title=Polling in Phase 4 Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal conducted today; ECI adjourns polling in PS 126 of 5-Sitalkuchi (SC) Assembly Constituency, Cooch Behar|url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/13295-polling-in-phase-4-assembly-constituencies-in-west-bengal-conducted-today-eci-adjourns-polling-in-ps-126-of-5-sitalkuchi-sc-assembly-constituency-cooch-behar/|access-date=2021-04-18|website=Election Commission of India}}</ref>

|<ref>{{cite web |title=Polling in 15,789 Polling Stations spread across 45 Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal Phase V Elections, Bye-Election in 2 Parliamentary Constituencies and 12 Assembly Constituencies across 10 States conducted peacefully today|url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/13329-polling-in-15789-polling-stations-spread-across-45-assembly-constituencies-in-west-bengal-phase-v-elections-bye-election-in-2-parliamentary-constituencies-and-12-assembly-constituencies-across-10-states-conducted-peacefully-today/|access-date=2021-04-18|website=Election Commission of India}}</ref>

*In February, Jakir Hossain, the MLA from Jangipur and [[Department of Labour (West Bengal)|Labour Minister of West Bengal]], received serious injuries after bombs were thrown at him in the [[Nimtita railway station]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-17|title=West Bengal minister Jakir Hossain injured in bomb attack in railway station|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/west-bengal-minister-jakir-hossain-injured-in-bomb-attack-in-railway-station/articleshow/81077096.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-17|title=West Bengal minister Jakir Hossain injured in crude bomb attack in Murshidabad|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/west-bengal-minister-jakir-hossain-injured-crude-bomb-attack-railway-station-murshidabad-1770305-2021-02-17|work=India Today|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-18|title=Bengal Minister Jakir Hossain Injured In Bomb Attack, CID Takes Over Probe|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-cid-to-probe-bomb-attack-on-minister-jakir-hossain-2373041|work=NDTV|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref>

*On 10 March, Mamata Banerjee filed her nomination at the Haldia sub-divisional office headquarters as the TMC candidate for [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram]]. Around 6:15 pm she was injured when she was leaving the Birulia market area of that constituency. She alleged that she was pushed by "four-five people" who manhandled her and slammed the door of her car on her foot. She was taken to [[IPGMER and SSKM Hospital|SSKM Hospital]] in Kolkata for treatment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mamata Banerjee 'attacked' in Nandigram: Key developments|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/mamata-banerjee-attacked-in-nandigram-key-developments/articleshow/81434254.cms|website=The Times of India}}</ref> BJP MP [[Subramanian Swamy]] made a direct call to her office and inquired about her health before giving a statement wishing her good health.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 March 2021|title=বিরোধীদের কদর্য মন্তব্য ঘিরে নিন্দার ঝড় উঠল দেশজুড়ে|url=https://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=13&nID=282985&P=1&nPID=20210312|website=bartamanpatrika.com|language=bn}}</ref> A day after being injured, Mamata Banerjee released a video message urging people and party workers to be calm and exercise restraint.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2021|title=Mamata releases message from hospital, says, 'Please be calm'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/mamata-releases-message-from-hospital-says-please-be-calm-101615453981707.html|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2021|title=Mamata Banerjee's Video Message: 'কর্মসূচির কোনও পরিবর্তন হবে না, প্রয়োজনে হুইল চেয়ারে যাব', বার্তা মমতার|url=https://bengali.abplive.com/videos/elections/mamata-banerjee-s-video-message-i-will-get-back-to-work-within-2-3-days-says-mamata-banerjee-805237|website=bengali.abplive.com}}</ref> Two days after being admitted, she was discharged at the TMC's multiple requests.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 March 2021|title=Mamata Banerjee discharged from hospital after 2 days, leaves on wheelchair|url=https://theprint.in/politics/mamata-banerjee-discharged-from-hospital-after-2-days-leaves-on-wheelchair/620842/}}</ref> She alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Adhikari, who denied the claim. Eyewitness Nitai Maity, a sweet shopkeeper, said "[t]he crowd was already there. But as soon as the car arrived, it was as if the area was flooded with people. There was a bit of pushing. In the meantime, Mamata Banerjee had just opened the front door of the car and had just stepped out. Suddenly there was a push from outside and the door closed. Mamata Banerjee suddenly fell to the ground with a severe leg injury."<ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2021|title=দোকানের সামনে ভিড় ছিলই, মমতা গাড়ি থেকে পা নামাতেই আকস্মিক বিষয়টা ঘটে!|url=https://tv9bangla.com/kolkata/mamata-banerjee-injured-in-nandigram-what-exactly-happened-with-mamata-banerjee-in-nandigram-eyewitnesses-said-337736.html|website=TV9 Bangla}}</ref> Medinipur DIG Kunal Agarwal, District Magistrate Bivu Goel, and Superintendent of Police Praveen Prakash went to Birulia Bazar, Nandigram, on Thursday morning to collect eyewitness statements before sending their report to the ECI, whose report on the incident officially ruled out any possibility of foul play and suspended two police officers for being absent from the chief minister's convoy of policemen meant to provide her safety. TMC and BJP workers clashed in front of the DM and the SP. Mamata Banerjee continued to campaign, and the BJP accused of her of trying to gain the voters' sympathy by flaunting her injured leg in an attempt to "[play] the victim card". Some self-proclaimed eyewitnesses claimed that the car door collided with an iron beam embedded on the road, but [[Firhad Hakim]] stated that it had no scratches.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-12|title=হুইল চেয়ারেই প্রচারে যাব: মমতা {{!}} গাড়িতে দাগ নেই কেন, খুঁটি তত্ত্ব উড়িয়ে যুক্তি ফিরহাদের|url=https://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=13&nID=282987&P=1&nPID=20210312|newspaper=Bartaman|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-11|title='গাড়িতে দাগ লাগেনি', নন্দীগ্রাম কাণ্ডে 'স্তম্ভ তত্ত্ব' উড়িয়ে দিল তৃণমূল শীর্ষ নেতৃত্ব|url=https://bangla.asianetnews.com/west-bengal-election/no-scratch-mark-at-car-tmc-sticks-to-conspiracy-claim-in-alleged-attack-on-mamata-banerjee-case-alb-qptckc|work=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd|language=bn}}</ref> TMC leaders stated that most of those who were giving eyewitness statements were BJP staff members<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-12|title='Conspiracy by BJP': TMC's Memorandum to EC Seeks Probe into 'Attack' on Mamata Banerjee|url=https://thewire.in/politics/conspiracy-by-bjp-tmcs-memorandum-to-ec-seeks-probe-into-attack-on-mamata-banerjee|work=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-13|title=BJP conspiracy to kill Mamata Banerjee: TMC to EC|url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/tmc-election-commission-mamata-banerjee-attack-bjp-west-bengal-elections-2021-7226088/|work=The Indian Express}}</ref> and asked, "If they are really 'eyewitnesses' then why did they go near the Chief Minister's convoy in that crowd (despite being workers of the BJP)?" Paritosh Jana, TMC President of the Birulia region, said, "The BJP had planted some drunken people into the crowd. They attacked the Chief Minister pretending to have a view of her. They pushed the Supremo when she opened the car's door and was about to step out. The CM did not name any political party. She had only spoken of miscreants. But the BJP is opposing in advance. (They are) giving slogans against the CM. We firmly believe that it is the work of the BJP. It's just like 'the loud voice of a thief's mother' ([[Bengali language|Bangla]] version of the proverb 'rogues supplant justice')."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-12|title=মমতার কনভয়ের কাছে 'প্রত্যক্ষদর্শী' বিজেপি কর্মীরা কেন, প্রশ্ন নন্দীগ্রামে {{!}} ডিএম-এসপির সামনেই হাতাহাতি|url=https://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=13&nID=282838&P=1&nPID=20210312|newspaper=Bartaman|language=bn}}</ref>

*Before the first phase of election, an election vehicle was set on fire by two unknown men.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bengal Polls 2021: Car on duty for first phase election set ablaze|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/west-bengal-assembly-elections-2021-car-on-duty-for-first-phase-poll-set-afire/cid/1810781|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Telegraph India}}</ref>

*On 25 March, state BJP president [[Dilip Ghosh (politician)|Dilip Ghosh]] made derogatory comments against Mamata Banerjee from a political rally in [[Purulia]] for which he was issued a notice by the ECI. He raised questions on her character due to her unmarried status and stated that if she wants to flaunt her injured leg before the public, then she should wear [[bermuda shorts]] instead of a [[saree]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/dilips-bermuda-comments-against-cm-spark-outrage/amp_articleshow/81678138.cms|title='Wear Bermudas to show injured leg : BJP leader Dilip Ghosh to Mamata Banerjee |website=timesofindia.com}}</ref>

*On 27 March, the day of first phase polling, TMC supporters protested outside booth 172 of Majna of the [[Kanthi Dakshin (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|South Contai seat]], alleging electronic voting machine malfunction. They alleged that casting a vote for TMC displayed the lotus sign of BJP. Similar allegations came from the closest booth to it.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bangla.asianetnews.com/west-bengal-election/voters-complained-of-not-being-able-to-vote-properly-in-evm-in-kanthi-spb-qqm3sj|title='তৃণমূলে ভোট দিলে পড়ছে বিজেপিতে', দক্ষিণ কাঁথির মাজনায় বিক্ষোভ শাসক দলের|website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/south-kanthi-electorates-allege-vvpat-error-say-all-votes-going-to-bjp-435731|title=South Kanthi: Electorates allege VVPAT error, say all votes going to BJP|date=29 March 2021|website=www.millenniumpost.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7K-0CRdILE|title=চূড়ান্ত পরাজয় সুনিশ্চিত বিজেপির|via=YouTube}}</ref>

*Two security personnel were reportedly injured in Satsatmal village, [[Purba Medinipur]] district, in a firing and bombing incident during phase 1 of polling.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-27|title=Bengal polls: 2 security personnel injured in bombing in Purba Medinipur|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/elections/bengal-polls-2-security-personnel-injured-in-bombing-in-purba-medinipur-121032700223_1.html|access-date=2021-04-03}}</ref>

*A BJP worker's dead body was found in [[Paschim Medinipur district|Paschim Medinipur]] during the first phase of election.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rajaram|first=Prema|date=27 March 2021|title=BJP worker's body found in West Midnapore as district goes to polls in first phase of Bengal election|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/bjp-worker-body-found-in-west-midnapore-1784232-2021-03-27|access-date=2021-03-27|website=India Today}}</ref> The ECI said that they did not find any political motive in his death.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/one-political-party-worker-killed-every-two-days-bengal|title=One political party worker is killed every two days in Bengal|date=3 April 2021}}</ref>

*Three TMC activists were injured in a blast in [[Bankura district|Bankura]] during the first phase of elections.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Bengal polls: 3 TMC workers injured in blast in Bankura ahead of first phase|url=https://scroll.in/latest/990718/west-bengal-polls-3-tmc-workers-injured-in-blast-in-bankura-ahead-of-first-phase|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Scroll.in}}</ref>

*Three TMC workers were attacked in Boyal of Nandigram. One of them, Rabin Manna, was admitted to SSKM Hospital with serious injuries, and died on 9 April around 4:30 am at SSKM Hospital.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nandigram: ১৪ দিনের লড়াই শেষ, মৃত্যু হল নন্দীগ্রামের তৃণমূল কর্মী রবীন মান্নার|url=https://bengali.news18.com/news/kolkata/nandigram-tmc-leader-rabin-manna-allegedly-beaten-by-bjp-passed-away-akd-582720.html|work=News18 Bangla}}</ref> On 31 March, Mamata Banerjee said that her car was attacked again in Nandigram a day ago when she visited Manna's house.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-31|title=Mamata Banerjee Alleges "Attack" In Nandigram Again, Says Has Proof|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-alleges-attack-in-nandigram-again-says-has-proof-2403237|work=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-31|title=Mamata Banerjee claims her car was attacked again in Nandigram, says she has evidence|url=https://scroll.in/latest/991094/mamata-banerjee-alleges-her-car-was-attacked-again-in-nandigram-claims-to-have-evidence|work=Scroll.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-31|title=সিঙ্গুরের সভা থেকে পুরোনো স্মৃতি উস্কে দিলেন মমতা, তোপ বিজেপি-সিপিএমকে, ভোট বাক্সে প্রভাব পড়বে কি|url=https://bangla.asianetnews.com/amp/west-bengal-election/mamata-banerjee-attacks-bjp-and-cpm-from-an-election-rally-in-singur-spb-qqubc2|website=bangla.asianetnews.com|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-31|title=Bengal Polls: ভোট মিটে গেলে দেখব কত ধানে কত চাল, গোঘাট থেকে হুঙ্কার মমতার|url=https://www.anandabazar.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/wb-election-2021-mamata-banerjee-attacks-bjp-from-rally-at-goghat-dgtl/cid/1273567|work=Anandabazar|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-31|title='দুধ কলা দিয়ে কালসাপ পুষেছি', শুভেন্দুকে নাম না করে আক্রমণ মমতার|url=https://eisamay.indiatimes.com/west-bengal-news/hooghly-news/west-bengal-polls-2021-mamata-banerjee-hits-out-at-suvendu-adhikari/articleshow/81775727.cms|work=Ei Samay|language=bn}}</ref> She later claimed she was informed by Manna's wife that BJP-backed goons were threatening to abduct her daughter and they had to take refuge with a local minority family.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-03|title=Bengal Polls: নন্দীগ্রামের ভোটে মেয়ে আর শিশুদের অপহরণের ভয় দেখিয়েছে বিজেপি, অভিযোগ মমতার|url=https://www.anandabazar.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/wb-election-2021-mamata-banerjee-says-bjp-has-shown-fear-to-abduct-girls-and-children-at-nandigram-dgtld/cid/1274018|work=Anandabazar|language=bn}}</ref>

*In [[Dantan (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Dantan]], it was reported that the CPRF prevented people from voting. A complaint was lodged at a local police station that alleged that the CPRF were allowing BJP workers to stay in the booth and cast votes in their name.<ref>{{cite web |last1=S|first1=Meghnad|last2=Sanyal|first2=Parikshit|title=Dantan diary: Investigating election day violence in Bengal|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/03/28/dantan-diary-why-bengal-election-violence-stories-arent-always-simple|access-date=2021-03-28|website=[[Newslaundry]]}}</ref>

*While on an official visit to Bangladesh, Modi visited the birthplace of [[Harichand Thakur]] at Orakandi in the [[Gopalganj District, Bangladesh|Gopalganj district]] in an attempt to woo the electorally influential [[Matua Mahasangha|Matua community]] of the state. Mamata Banerjee asserted his trip to Orakandi is a violation of the poll code.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/modi-bangladesh-visit-is-violation-of-poll-code-mamata-1784325-2021-03-27|title=PM Modi's Bangladesh visit violates poll code, says Mamata Banerjee|date=March 27, 2021 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-on-pms-bangladesh-trip-your-visa-should-be-cancelled-2400180|title="Your Visa Should Be Cancelled": Mamata Banerjee On PM's Bangladesh Trip|website=NDTV}}</ref>

*During the nomination filing by the BJP candidate in [[Bijpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bijpur]], gunshots were fired and later clashes broke out between BJP and TMC staff.<ref>{{cite web |title=Firing In Bengal's Barrackpore During Filing Of Nomination By BJP Candidate|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-election-2021-firing-in-bengals-barrackpore-during-filing-of-nomination-by-bjp-candidate-2403371|access-date=2021-04-03|website=NDTV}}</ref>

*On 30 March, [[Ashok Dinda]], BJP's candidate from [[Moyna (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Moyna]], [[Purba Medinipur]], was attacked and his vehicle vandalised during a campaign. He claimed that hundreds of people wielding ''lathi'' and rods hurled stones at his vehicle. Dinda's shoulder was injured.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-30|title=Ex-cricketer Ashok Dinda Attacked During Election Campaign in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/assembly-elections-2021-live-updates-mamata-banerjee-amit-shah-go-head-to-head-with-nandigram-roadshows-today-3586874.html|access-date=2021-04-02|website=www.news18.com}}</ref>

*On 2 April, the [[West Bengal Police]] seized 41 crude bombs in [[Bhangar (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bhangar]].<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2021-04-03|title=41 crude bombs recovered in West Bengal: EC|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/41-crude-bombs-recovered-in-west-bengal-ec/article34229009.ece|access-date=2021-04-03|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

*During the third phase of polling (6 April), Sujata Mondal, TMC candidate in [[Arambag (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Arambag]], was attacked by some goons at Arandi-I booth 263.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/arambagh-tmc-candidate-sujata-mondal-attacked-with-bricks-1787670-2021-04-06|title=Arambagh TMC candidate attacked with bricks, Mamata says 'they say Beti Bachao, but beat up women'|first1=Poulomi|last1=Saha |first2=Suryagni|last2=Roy|date=April 6, 2021|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/west-bengal/article/tmc-candidate-sujata-mondal-attacked-in-mahallapara-mp-derek-obrien-writes-to-ec-to-apprehend-bjp-goons/741702|title=TMC candidate Sujata Mondal attacked in Mahallapara, MP Derek O'Brien writes to EC to apprehend 'BJP goons'|website=Times Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHRwECKjgkQ|title=আরামবাগের প্রার্থী সুজাতা মন্ডল-কে আক্রমণ বিজেপির|via=YouTube}}</ref>

*During the third phase of polling, electronic voting machines and [[Voter-verified paper audit trail|VVPAT]] machines were found in the house of a TMC politician of [[Uluberia Uttar|North Uluberia]]. The sector officer was later suspended.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-06|title=EVMs, VVPATs found from TMC leader's home in West Bengal, sector officer suspended|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/west-bengal-evms-vvpats-found-from-tmc-leader-s-home-sector-officer-suspended-101617678624885.html|access-date=2021-04-07|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

*The TMC accused the BJP of distributing cash coupons among people to lure them to attend Modi's rally.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-07|title=BJP distributing cash coupons: TMC|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/bjp-distributing-cash-coupons-tmc/article34265838.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=2021-11-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-07|title=TMC writes to EC, accuses BJP of distributing Rs 1,000 coupons among voters in Bengal|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/trinamool-congress-complaint-against-bjp-ec-paper-coupons-1788342-2021-04-07|work=India Today|access-date=2021-11-14}}</ref>

*In the fourth phase of polling, there were two major instances of violence, both in the [[Sitalkuchi (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Sitalkuchi constituency]] of the [[Cooch Behar district]]. In Pathantuli, a first-time voter, Ananda Barman, was shot and killed by unknown assailants after casting his vote. Both BJP and TMC claimed he was one of their workers, but family members said he was a belonged to BJP.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-10|title=Political storm erupts after 5 killed during Bengal poll including 4 in CISF firing|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/political-storm-erupts-after-5-killed-during-bengal-poll-including-4-in-cisf-firing/2230596/|access-date=2021-05-01|website=The Financial Express}}</ref> In Sitalkuchi, CISF personnel who were guarding a polling station in Jorepatki shot and killed four Muslim villagers, who they alleged were part of a mob attacking them. They claimed the mob attacked them over rumours the security forces had thrashed a local boy and they fired in self-defence. The families of the deceased cliamed the firing was deliberate, and that they were in a queue to vote.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-11|title=Bengal's Sitalkuchi village plunges in gloom as firing victims taken for burial|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/bengals-sitalkuchi-village-plunges-in-gloom-as-firing-victims-taken-for-burial-101618139141630.html|access-date=2021-05-01|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bhattacharya|first=Pinak Priya|date=2021-04-11|title=Sitalkuchi victims' kin trash CISF self-defence claims|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/sitalkuchi-victims-kin-trash-cisf-self-defence-claims/articleshow/82012696.cms|access-date=2021-05-01|website=The Times of India}}</ref> Media staff found video footage from local sources,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtLWTZPLiEU|title=West Bengal Election 2021: চলল গুলি, চারিদিকে আর্ত চিত্কার, দেখুন শীতলকুচি গুলিকাণ্ডের ভাইরাল ভিডিও|via=YouTube}}</ref> but Special Police Observer Vivek Dubey called it fake without citing any proper reason.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T89fOwma37k|title=চতুর্থ স্তম্ভ : বিবেকের বুদ্ধি লোপ (16/04/2021)|publisher=[[Kolkata TV|KOLKATA TV]]|via=YouTube}}</ref>

*On 8 April the ECI issued a notice to Adhikari for communal overtones in his 29 March speech in [[Nandigram]], where he derogatorily referred [[Mamata Banerjee]] (who is unmarried) as ''[[begum]]'' ("a married Muslim woman", thereby indicating that she was characterless).<ref>{{cite web |date=9 April 2021|title=নন্দীগ্রামে উস্কানিমূলক মন্তব্যের জের, শুভেন্দুকেও নোটিস ধরাল কমিশন|url=https://aajkaal.in/news/title/wb-election-2021--election-commission-issues-notice-to-suvendu-adhikari-after-mamata-banerjee-jo59|website=www.aajkaal.in|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 April 2021|title=West Bengal Assembly Elections &#124; EC notice to Suvendu Adhikari over hate speech complaint|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/ec-notice-to-suvendu-adhikari-over-hate-speech-complaint/article34274947.ece|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |agency=Press Trust of India|date=8 April 2021|title=EC notice to Suvendu Adhikari for communal overtones in his speech|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/elections/ec-notice-to-suvendu-adhikari-for-communal-overtones-in-his-speech-121040801547_1.html|via=Business Standard}}</ref> In his reply to the ECI notice, Adhikari claimed that he never made any personal attack or derogatory remarks against any political leader, but on 13 April, the ECI issued another warning to him for making derogatory statements in his speech.<ref>{{cite web |last=Paliwal|first=Aishwarya|date=April 14, 2021|title=Bengal polls: EC issues warning to Suvendu Adhikari for making derogatory statements in Nandigram speech|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/ec-warning-suvendu-adhikari-nandigram-hate-speech-1790429-2021-04-13|website=India Today}}</ref>

*On 12 April, the ECI imposed a 24-hour campaign ban on Mamata Banerjee (effective from 8 pm) for calling out female voters to ''[[gherao]]'' (or encircle) the CRPF, CAPF and CISF forces on election duty if they "created any obstruction in their right to vote" from a political rally in [[Cooch Behar district]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/mamata-banerjee-banned-from-campaigning-for-24-hours-1790158-2021-04-12|title=Bengal polls: 24-hour campaign ban on Mamata Banerjee for inciting voters to 'gherao CAPF'|first=Poulomi|last=Saha|date=April 13, 2021|website=India Today}}</ref> The next day, the TMC Supremo staged a solitary ''dharna'' next to the statue of [[Mahatma Gandhi]] at the Mayo Road crossing in Kolkata to protest against the ECI's decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/mamata-banerjee-takes-to-painting-at-dharna-in-kolkata-1790404-2021-04-13|title=Mamata Banerjee sitting on dharna against EC campaign ban paints a picture. Literally|date=April 14, 2021|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/story/bengal-election-live-updates-mamata-banerjee-tmc-election-commission-amit-shah-bjp-1790278-2021-04-13|title=Bengal Election Highlights: After 24-hour ban, Mamata set to visit Cooch Behar tomorrow for poll program|date=13 April 2021|website=India Today}}</ref> On the same day, the ECI let Adhikari go with only a warning after he commented that voting in favour of Mamata Banerjee would convert [[West Bengal]] into a "mini-[[Pakistan]]", which led the TMC to allege that the ECI was operating in a biased manner to benefit BJP.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-13|title=Light Warning For BJP's Suvendu Adhikari For "Mini Pakistan" Remark|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/light-warning-for-suvendu-adhikari-for-mini-pakistan-remark-2412871|work=NDTV|access-date=2021-11-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-04-13|title='Mini-Pakistan': EC Lets Off BJP's Suvendu Adhikari With Light Rap for Remark|url=https://thewire.in/politics/mini-pakistan-ec-lets-off-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-with-light-rap-for-remark|work=The Wire|access-date=2021-11-14}}</ref>

*In the fifth phase of polling, in the Shantinagar locality of [[Bidhannagar (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bidhannagar]], bricks and stones were hurled between TMC and BJP booth workers, leaving eight people injured.<ref>{{cite news|date=2021-04-17|title=Sporadic violence marks fifth phase of Bengal polls|work=[[The Times of India]]|agency=Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sporadic-violence-marks-fifth-phase-of-bengal-polls/articleshow/82114806.cms|access-date=17 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=2021-04-17|title=TMC, BJP candidates pelt stones at each other in Bengal's Bidhannagar amid polling|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-polls-2021/story/bengal-elections-kolkata-bidhannagar-voting-tmc-bjp-workers-stone-pelting-1791980-2021-04-17|website=India Today}}</ref>

*In Jalpaiguri, after polling ended, four BJP agents were found with central force personnel carrying electronic voting machines.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-04-19|title=ইভিএমের গাড়িতে বিজেপির এজেন্ট! {{!}} জলপাইগুড়িতে তোলপাড়, কমিশনে নালিশ তৃণমূলের|url=https://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=13&nID=290083&P=1&nPID=20210419|newspaper=Bartaman|language=bn|access-date=2021-10-28}}</ref>

*'''Declared on 2 May 2021:'''<ref>{{cite web |title= Boothwise Result - Form 20|url=http://ceowestbengal.nic.in/UploadFiles/AE2021/Form20/Form20_GE2021.html|work=Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal|access-date=2021-11-17}}</ref>

!%||'''±'''[[Percentage point|pp]]|| style="text-align:centre"|Contested || Won ||'''+/−'''

*'''Declared on 3 October 2021:'''<ref>{{cite web |title= Form 20 - 56 Samserganj AC|url=http://ceowestbengal.nic.in/UploadFiles/Byeelec_sep_2021/form20/Form20_AC56.pdf|work=Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal|access-date=2021-11-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Form 20 - 58 Jangipur AC|url=http://ceowestbengal.nic.in/UploadFiles/Byeelec_sep_2021/form20/Form20_AC58.pdf|work=Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal|access-date=2021-11-13}}</ref>

!Won||Votes|| % || '''±'''[[Percentage point|pp]] ||Contested ||Won ||'''+/−'''

|[[All India Trinamool Congress|AITC]]  

|[[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]  

|[[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|CPI(M)]]  

|[[Indian National Congress|INC]]  

|[[Revolutionary Socialist Party (India)|RSP]]  

| colspan="3" | '''294'''  

!'''±'''[[Percentage point|pp]]

!'''±'''[[Percentage point|pp]]

| -44

| -3

| -26

| -1

|style="text-align:right"|35,429<ref>{{cite web |title=Joypur Election Result 2021 LIVE: Joypur MLA Election Result & Vote Share|url=https://www.oneindia.com/joypur-assembly-elections-wb-241/|work=Oneindia|access-date=2021-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Joypur Assembly Election Results 2021 LIVE - Joypur Vidhan Sabha Election Results|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/joypur-west-bengal-election-result-2021|work=Times Now|access-date=2021-10-02}}</ref>

| -3

! colspan="2" style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |

! colspan="2" style="background:{{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}" |

! style="background:{{party color|Mahajot}}"|

! style="background:{{party color|Independent politician}}"|

!''{{Decrease}} 12''  

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |18

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |19

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |27

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |31

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |28

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |35

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" | 25

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |31

| style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |2

|style="background:{{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |216

!'''%'''

!'''%'''

|bgcolor="{{party color|Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (T)}}"|

|bgcolor="{{party color|Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (T)}}"|

|bgcolor="{{party color|Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (T)}}"|

|1,24,923

|1,05,649

|86,311

|1,16,594

|1,16,425

|1,16,768

|79,775

|1,14,645

|bgcolor="{{party color|Indian National Congress}}"|

|bgcolor="{{party color|Indian National Congress}}"|

|bgcolor="{{party color|Indian National Congress}}"|

|[[Subrata Maitra]]

|bgcolor="{{party color|Indian National Congress}}"|

| [[Noapara (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Noapara]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25107.htm?ac=107|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503225505/https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25107.htm?ac=107|archive-date=3 May 2021|access-date=2021-05-03|website=results.eci.gov.in}}</ref>

| [[Khardaha (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Khardaha]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25109.htm?ac=109|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503192928/https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25109.htm?ac=109|archive-date=3 May 2021|access-date=2021-05-03|website=results.eci.gov.in}}</ref>

| [[Dum Dum Uttar (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Dum Dum Uttar]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25110.htm?ac=110|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503192930/https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25110.htm?ac=110|archive-date=3 May 2021|access-date=2021-05-03|website=results.eci.gov.in}}</ref>

| style="background-color: {{party color|All India Trinamool Congress}}" |

| style="background-color: {{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}" |

| bgcolor={{party color|Indian Secular Front}}|

|Jayanta Naskar